Rosalba Fantastico di Kastron receives inaugural Babel Prize for Literature
Dec 19, 2022
Rosalba Fantastico di Kastron received the 2021 Babel Prize for Literature, recognizing her outstanding contributions to literary crossings between languages.
Dallas, Texas Dec 19, 2022 (Issuewire.com) - In a ceremony held on Dec. 2, 2022, in Tirana at the National Theater of Albania, Italian poet Rosalba Fantastico di Kastron received the 2021 Babel Prize for Literature, recognizing her outstanding contributions to literary crossings between languages.
Fantastico is the first recipient of the annual Babel Prize for Literature. Her award ceremony, deferred by one year, was scheduled as soon as possible once the easing of pandemic restrictions enabled the arrangement of an in-person ceremony.
The writer's debut English-language poetry collection, The Traces of Soul, published in 2019 by Mundus Artium Press, extends the international reach of her perspective, which combines attentiveness to family and local culture in her native Bari, Italy, with empathy for a wider world.
The Babel Prize for Literature recognizes individuals whose interlingual emergence transcends the meaning of the ancient symbol of the Tower of Babel. Prize recipients make the literature of scattered tongues an occasion to build and highlight cross-cultural relationships founded on selfless love.
The poet's choice of an Albanian-hosted ceremony for receiving the Babel Prize for Literature, her first major international award, reflects a wish to pay tribute to difficult days in that nation's recent history. In 1990 when tens of thousands of Albanian refugees landed on her Puglian coast, Fantastico was among the first Italians to welcome and help them in any way she could. "I have strong feelings right now, but with particularly significant emotions. This city and this Albanian land are very important to me, because I feel at home here. The Babel Prize is such a great honor for me," Fantastico told Tirana's TV Klan after the ceremony.
The award, including a diploma, a personalized medal of honor, and a commemorative gift, was presented by Babel Prize for Literature delegate Gjeke Marinaj, an Albanian writer who also fled the country in 1990 due to political persecution. Marinaj traveled to the Tirana ceremony from Dallas, Texas, where the Babel Prize committee is based.
Fantastico attended the ceremony in the company of a special delegation of her Italian compatriots, including the noted actor Francesco Leccese; the vice president of the Pro Loco association for historians of local traditions, Adele Pulice; the founder and director of the "Calcagnile Academy" of the Academy of Fashion and Costume in Lecce, Rosanna Calcagnile; and the administrator of the "Calcagnile Academy," Aldo Urso.
Fantastico is a knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, among numerous other awards and honors she holds for her work. In 2019, she received the "Women of Puglia" award for promoting her region's cultural identity worldwide.
Her other publications include collections of poetry in Italian as well as in Puglia's Salento dialect.
In addition to their stature as a poet, Fantastico has achieved renown as a painter, playwright, theater director, and educator in arts and culture. In and beyond her country, she plays an active role in international literary festivals.
The Babel Prize for Literature can be given to either a translator or writer, whether on the basis of a major work or for lifetime achievements furthering literature-driven communication across specific cultural and linguistic contexts.
Focusing on cultural exchanges that may include any source or target language in the world, the prize supports inclusivity, regarding each possible permutation of language as equally vital for the integral health of humanity's dynamic whole.
Source :Mundus Artium Press
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
More News
Chinese defense minister meets attendees of Beijing Xiangshan Forum
China's Defense Minister Dong Jun on Wednesday said the Chinese military is ready to work with all parties to jointly safeguard international and regional stability, foster a favorable security environment, and provide a guarantee for peaceful development.
Asian Games 2026 India Full Schedule: Complete List Of Events, Dates, Timings & Venues
A total of 508 athletes (272 male and 238 female) will compete in 37 sporting events for India at the 2026 edition of Asian Games.
From the ozone hole to recovery: Global action enters a new phase
From the ozone hole to recovery: Global action enters a new phase
Sci-tech cooperation helps the Global South build its own capacity
Sci-tech cooperation helps the Global South build its own capacity
China-ASEAN at 35: What keeps the partnership moving forward
Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that China and ASEAN have "explored a bright path of good-neighborliness and win-win cooperation, taken strides toward building a closer community with a shared future and made important contribution to the cause of human progress."
Former Chinese ambassador to US: 'Taiwan question is red line of red lines'
Former Chinese ambassador to US: 'Taiwan question is red line of red lines'
China affirms support for Iran, but warns against Yemen spillover
In talks with his Iranian counterpart in Beijing on Wednesday, China’s foreign minister reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Tehran, called for a political settlement to the country’s conflict with the US and warned that regional tensions must not further spill over into Yemen. Wang Yi also urged the earliest possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Abbas Araghchi’s trip to China, his second since the US launched large-scale strikes on Iran in late February, came as Washington expanded sanctions...
China urges the Philippines to abide by one-China principle
The Chinese side urged the Philippines to abide by the one-China principle with concrete actions, and refrain from taking any steps that could harm China-Philippines relations, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Asian Games 2026: When And Where To Watch Asiad LIVE In India?
More than 10,000 athletes from 46 nations will feature in 2026 edition of the Asian Games, and they are scheduled to participate in 469 events across 43 sports and 71 disciplines.
Iranian and Saudi panellists spar at Xiangshan Forum over Middle East attacks
A plenary session at a Beijing security conference turned into a heated exchange on Wednesday, when a senior Iranian defence official and a Saudi think tank chief clashed over the conflict in the Middle East. In the city where just a few years ago Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a peace deal, Prince Turki al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi think tank the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, accused Iran of not respecting “the sovereignty of the Arab states”. In a clear reference to...
46-Year-Old Aisam ul Haq Qureshi To Represent Pakistan In Men's Doubles At Asian Games 2026
Aisam is part of a Pakistan tennis squad that also includes veteran Aqeel Khan, Muhammad Shoaib, Muzammil Murtaza, Maheen Aftab and Ushna Sohail.
Pakistan Hockey Team Awaits Government Clearance For Asian Champions Trophy In India
The 2026 edition of Asian Champions Trophy will be held in Punjab's Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5.
Asian Games Medallists Indian Boxers To Directly Qualify For 2027 World Championships
The 2027 edition of World Boxing Championships is the first Olympic qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Games,
Former director of leading Chinese museum jailed 3 years after art-selling scandal
A former director of a state-owned museum at the centre of a rare high-profile art scandal was sentenced to three years in prison, Chinese state media said on Wednesday. Xu Huping was found to have abused his position at the Nanjing Museum in eastern Jiangsu province and taken bribes, including money and property, for helping others secure projects and business collaborations. He was sentenced to prison for three years and fined 200,000 yuan (US$29,800), according to state news agency...
Hong Kong to play due part in making GBA world-class city cluster
Hong Kong will participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) into a world-class city cluster with global influence, John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Wednesday.
Chinese defence chief skirts flashpoints at Xiangshan Forum ahead of Xi-Trump summit
With just a week to go until Chinese President Xi Jinping heads to Washington for his first state visit in more than a decade, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun opted for the diplomatic path in his address to China’s premier security conference on Wednesday. Speaking at the annual Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, Dong took veiled swipes at Washington and its allies but – unlike last year – appeared to pull his punches, skipping mentions of contentious issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea. He...
Vice premier stresses western region opening up as Pinglu Canal opens
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Wednesday underscored the importance of further opening up in China's western regions as Pinglu Canal, a trade shortcut to Southeast Asia, officially opened in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
India, Pakistan warships collide at sea, adding to tensions
A Pakistani warship collides with an Indian naval vessel in international waters in the northern Arabian Sea on Tuesday evening
Armed Police seize 130kg marijuana in Udayapur forest
Key Takeaways: 130kg marijuana recovered from Saudhuri Chure forest at 2:30am Suspected smugglers fled, leaving contraband packed in plastic bags Ten APF personnel on motorcycl...
New Bara CDO vows peace, security and good governance
Key Takeaways: Peace, security and governance are Adhikari's stated priorities for Bara Zero-tolerance policy against theft, smuggling, black-marketing and illegal drugs P...
Shanghai court's transparent AI Screen impresses law experts
Shanghai court's transparent AI Screen impresses law experts
Wang Yi: Turbulent situation in the Middle East endangers int'l peace
Wang Yi: Turbulent situation in the Middle East endangers int'l peace
Zheng Yongnian: Chinese modernization is 'open-source' development
Zheng Yongnian: Chinese modernization is 'open-source' development
Two killed as LPG truck hits motorcycle in Bara
Key Takeaways: Victims identified as Rabindra Upadhyay (35) and Dilip Chaudhary (30), declared dead on arrival at Narayani Hospital Accident occurred when LPG truck (Na 3 Kha 56...
TTD to provide ₹2 lakh insurance cover to every pilgrim visiting Tirumala
The scheme will be Aadhaar-based and provided online, as the government outlines plans to develop Tirumala as a sacred pilgrimage centre
Key quotes from President Xi's remarks in meeting with Indian PM Modi
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi last week, and reached important consensus that China and India should be partners.
Graphics: What stood out in China's economy in August?
Graphics: What stood out in China's economy in August?
Three bodies found in Chilime Hydropower tunnel, search ongoing
Key Takeaways: Three bodies discovered inside Chilime Hydropower tunnel; two recovered, one retrieval ongoing Nepal Army divers entered tunnel through water outlet, searched to...
As US slashes funding, UN peacekeeping head says global body can rely on China
The United Nations can count on China’s support, the UN’s peacekeeping chief said in Beijing as he flagged the body’s financial strains – due in large part to Washington’s funding squeeze. Speaking at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Wednesday, UN undersecretary general for peace operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said the international system was under severe strain and the UN urgently needed to adapt its tools to modern realities. Lacroix warned that the global body’s financial situation “is...
17 injured as truck, Hiace collide in Udayapur
Key Takeaways: 17 people injured, including Hiace driver and all passengers Eight seriously hurt referred to Biratnagar Neuro Hospital, others treated at Udayapur District Hospi...
Two killed, two injured in motorcycle collision in Sarlahi
Key Takeaways: Accident occurred at 5:45pm on the Nawalpur–Malangwa road section Victims identified as Sumit Yadav (30) and Pappu Paswan (26), both declared dead on arrival at M...
Asian Games 2026: Complete List Of Indian Contingent
India have sent a strong contingent to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan with an aim to improve on their record 106-medal haul.
Grape picking in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains
Currently, thousands of acres of table grapes on the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia are in their harvest season.
Talent, new industries: HK accelerates innovation-led transformation
Talent, new industries: HK accelerates innovation-led transformation
Pristine yardang wonders on the ancient Silk Road
About 150 kilometers southwest of Hami in Xinjiang's Gobi Desert lies Dahaidao, a 4,000-square-kilometer yardang cluster.
One robot, several dances
A humanoid robot performed several different dances at a shopping mall in Beijing, attracting a crowd of onlookers.
'The First Crossing of the Long March' takes the stage in Yudu
The Long March has been brought to life on stage in Yudu, Jiangxi Province. The performance offers audiences an immersive way to experience this pivotal chapter in Chinese history.
New Zealand singer Verity conveys the power of hope through music
New Zealand singer Verity performed "By a Miracle" in the first round of the 2nd Silk Way Star International Music Competition, conveying the power of hope through music.
2nd Silk Way Star International Music Competition airs in China
The 2nd Silk Way Star International Music Competition is being broadcast on China Central Television, featuring singers from 12 countries – China, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Türkiye, Vietnam, South Africa, Russia, Serbia, Brazil and New Zealand.
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.