Date: 19 March 2026, 12.15–13.30
Place: Kielikeskus (Language Centre), Room 205
Participants
• Ioana Drăgan – Romanian writer, guest author
• Professor Jukka Havu – University of Tampere (guest discussant)
• Dr Emilia Ivancu – Lecturer in Romanian Language and Culture, University of Helsinki (moderator)
This CoCoLaC event brings together literary studies, cultural translation, and intercultural communication through a conversation with Romanian writer Ioana Drăgan, author of the novel În căutarea nefericirii (In Search of Unhappiness, 2023).
The novel explores how Romanians and Finns perceive one another through two parallel travel narratives: one following a Romanian visitor in Finland, the other a Finn travelling through Romania. Through humour, irony, and cultural observation, the narrative reflects on how stereotypes are constructed, negotiated, and sometimes dismantled when individuals move across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
During the event, a short fragment from the novel will also be read in Finnish translation.
The event will include a moderated discussion, a reading, and a Q&A session.
The event is open to students, researchers, and anyone interested in languages, literature, and intercultural dialogue. All are warmly welcome.