Catalonia: A Linguistic Perspective on a Nation Within a Nation
Dear PWHCE reader in Melbourne Australia,
You are cordially invited to a talk to be given by Gillian Darcy, entitled, 'Catalonia: A Linguistic Perspective on a Nation Within a Nation'. Gillian Darcy is currently undertaking a degree in Hispanic Studies and Philology at La Trobe University. Her specific interest is the Catalan language and its history. Gillian was born in Malta and came to Australia at the age of twelve. She speaks Maltese, Italian, Spanish and Catalan.
The Catalonians, while considering themselves part of the Spanish 'nation', have a strong and disctinct language and literature, from which arises a separate, distinct Catalan national identity. The co-existance of the Catalan nation and the Spanish nation of which it is part, has been periodically tested through Spain's history, such as under the Franco regime. Gillian maintains a keen interest in the relationship between Catalonia and Spain, and has studied in Catalonia. Her talk will therefore provide an informed perspective on this relationship, both today and in Spain's history.
The talk will be held :-
at 6:30pm, on Wednesday 29th September 2004
at Bell's Hotel and Brewery
157 Moray Street South Melbourne
(Corner of Coventry Street)
Melway ref:- 2K E1
The hotel management would be appreciative if guests availed themselves of the opportunity to purchase a meal and/or drinks at the bar between 6:30 pm and 7:00pm. The talk will commence at 7:30 PM in the upstairs function room.
Current developments in Spain are a case study in the trend of 'devolution' in Europe. This talk therefore has broader relevance for those interested in European current events.
