"Without Literature, a People Cannot Exist."

April 16, 2005, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
George Mason Regional Library,
7001 Little River Turnpike (Route 236)
Annandale, Virginia
703-256-3800

You are cordially invited to attend a lecture by Dr. Elaine Rusinko, Associate Professor of Modern Languages and Linguistics, University of Maryland Baltimore County.  Dr. Rusinko's lecture takes Aleksander Dukhnovych's words for its title - "Without Literature, a People Cannot Exist."

      Dr. Rusinko received her PhD in Russian language and literature from Brown University.  Since 1988 she has been studying and writing about the Rusyn literature of Subcarpathia and has published articles in scholarly journals in the United States, Canada and Europe.  Her translation of the Rusyn national awakener Aleksander Dukhnovych's Virtue is More Important than Riches was published in 1994.

      Her recent book Straddling Borders: Literature and Identity in Subcarpathian Rus' (University of Toronto Press, 2003) traces Rusyn literature from its emergence in the 16th century, through the national awakening of the mid-19th century and its struggle for survival in Hungary, to its renaissance during the interwar period in Czechoslovakia, and down to
the present day. Elaine will introduce us to some examples of the literature in English translation and discuss related problems of language and culture.

      This event is free to the public. It will provide an opportunity to socialize with fellow chapter members and others in attendance.  Though it is not necessary to RSVP, for planning purposes we would appreciate it if you would let us know if you are planning to attend.  We look forward to seeing you there. Bring a friend.

For more information: Phone - (703) 670-5556, or email -Tom Brenzovich

Sincerely with pride in our Rusyn heritage,
Carpatho-Rusyn Society, National Capital Chapter, Board of Directors