Language/Hungarian/Culture/Contemporary-Hungarian-culture
Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will explore the vibrant and diverse contemporary culture of Hungary. As language and culture are deeply intertwined, understanding Hungarian culture is essential for language learners. By diving into various aspects of modern Hungarian culture such as literature, fashion, and film, we will gain a deeper appreciation for the language and its speakers. So let's embark on this exciting journey and discover the beauty of contemporary Hungarian culture!
Literature[edit | edit source]
Hungary has a rich literary tradition that dates back centuries. From classic works to modern masterpieces, Hungarian literature has made a significant impact on the global literary scene. One of the most renowned Hungarian authors is Imre Kertész, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2002 for his novel "Fateless." This powerful novel explores the Holocaust through the eyes of a young Hungarian Jewish boy.
Another notable figure in Hungarian literature is Sándor Márai, whose works often delve into complex human relationships. His novel "Embers" is a captivating exploration of love, friendship, and betrayal. It has been translated into many languages and has gained international acclaim.
Contemporary Hungarian literature continues to thrive with talented writers like Zsófia Bán, who is known for her experimental and thought-provoking works. Her collection of essays titled "Night School: A Reader for Grownups" offers unique insights into various topics such as art, literature, and identity.
To practice your Hungarian reading skills, here are some popular Hungarian books and their English translations:
| Hungarian | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| "A Pál utcai fiúk" | [aː paːl ut͡sɒi ˈfjuːk] | "The Paul Street Boys" |
| "Az Élet ízei" | [ɒz ˈeːlɛt ˈiːzɛi̯] | "The Flavors of Life" |
| "Egyszerű történet elemi részecskék" | [ˈɛɟsɛryː ˈtørteːnɛt ˈɛlɛmiː ˈreːsɛt͡ʃkɛk] | "Simple Storys: Elemental Particles" |
Fashion[edit | edit source]
Hungarian fashion has been making waves in recent years, with talented designers gaining international recognition. Budapest Fashion Week is a highly anticipated event that showcases the creativity and innovation of Hungarian fashion designers. The event attracts fashion enthusiasts from around the world who come to witness the latest trends and designs.
One prominent Hungarian fashion designer is Nanushka, founded by Sandra Sandor. Nanushka is known for its sustainable and ethical approach to fashion, combining modern elegance with a bohemian touch. Their collections have gained popularity among celebrities and fashion influencers.
To get a taste of Hungarian fashion, here are some common fashion-related vocabulary words:
- Szoknya (skirt)
- Ing (shirt)
- Nadrág (pants)
- Cipő (shoes)
- Divat (fashion)
- Ruha (dress)
Film[edit | edit source]
Hungarian cinema has a long-standing tradition and has produced many acclaimed films over the years. One of the most influential Hungarian directors is Béla Tarr, known for his unique and atmospheric filmmaking style. His film "Satantango" is considered a masterpiece of Hungarian cinema and has garnered international acclaim.
Another notable Hungarian filmmaker is Kornél Mundruczó, whose film "White God" won the Un Certain Regard Prize at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. The film tells the story of a young girl and her dog in a society that discriminates against mixed-breed dogs.
Hungarian film festivals are also popular platforms for showcasing local and international films. The Budapest International Documentary Festival and the Jameson CineFest Miskolc International Film Festival are just a few examples of the vibrant film culture in Hungary.
To practice your Hungarian listening skills, here are some Hungarian films with English subtitles that you can watch:
- "Son of Saul" (Saul fia)
- "On Body and Soul" (Testről és lélekről)
- "The Notebook" (A nagy füzet)
Cultural Section[edit | edit source]
Hungary's regional variations in contemporary culture can be seen in the different traditions and customs that exist across the country. For example, in the western region of Hungary, near Lake Balaton, there is a strong wine culture. The area is known for its vineyards and wine festivals, where locals and tourists come together to celebrate the rich heritage of Hungarian wine.
In contrast, the northeastern region of Hungary, near the border with Slovakia, has a strong folk tradition. The villages in this area are known for their colorful traditional costumes, lively folk music, and energetic dance performances. The Tokaj region in the northeast is particularly famous for its sweet dessert wines.
Historically, Hungary has been influenced by various cultures due to its location in Central Europe. The country has been part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and has also been influenced by neighboring countries such as Germany, Austria, and Romania. These historical influences have shaped Hungarian culture and contributed to its diversity.
Exercises[edit | edit source]
1. Read the following excerpt from Imre Kertész's novel "Fateless" and answer the questions that follow:
"(...) I was a fourteen-year-old boy then, and I knew nothing of the world, nothing of my own country, and, least of all, of myself."
a) How old was the protagonist when these events took place? b) What does the protagonist admit to not knowing? c) Why is this excerpt significant in understanding the theme of the novel?
2. Match the Hungarian fashion-related vocabulary words with their English translations:
| Hungarian | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Cipő | [ˈt͡ʃipoː] | a) Fashion |
| Divat | [ˈdivaːt] | b) Skirt |
| Szoknya | [ˈsokɲɒ] | c) Shoes |
| Ing | [iŋɡ] | d) Dress |
3. Watch the trailer for the Hungarian film "Son of Saul" (Saul fia) and answer the following questions:
a) What is the film about? b) What award did the film win?
Solutions[edit | edit source]
1. a) The protagonist was fourteen years old when these events took place.
b) The protagonist admits to not knowing anything about the world, his own country, and himself. c) This excerpt is significant in understanding the theme of the novel as it highlights the protagonist's ignorance and naivety before experiencing the horrors of the Holocaust.
2. a) c) Shoes
b) a) Fashion c) b) Skirt d) d) Dress
3. a) The film "Son of Saul" (Saul fia) is about a Jewish prisoner in Auschwitz who becomes determined to give a proper burial to a boy he takes for his son.
b) The film "Son of Saul" (Saul fia) won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2016.
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Hungarian Culture - Core Concepts — Cultural Atlas
- Comparative Hungarian Cultural Studies - Project MUSE
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Famous Hungarian writers and poets
- Social issues and activism
- Hungarian history and folklore
- Hungarian arts and music
- Hungarian idioms and proverbs
- Hungary Timeline
- Hungarian geography and landmarks
- Hungarian holidays and celebrations
- Hungarian cuisine and drinks