Italian as a language of communication and connection between different cultures was the theme of a crowded debate organized by the Embassy of Italy in Algiers, on the occasion of the 24th edition of the “Algiers International Book Fair”, the main cultural event in the North African country. The meeting was dedicated to ”The literary and linguistic adventure of Amara Lakhous ‘: the renowned Italian-Algerian writer, author of the famous ‘Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio’, led the debate. The writer’s experience highlighted the role of language as a means to shape individuals and as a promoter of knowledge and openness towards others.
“People don’t live in a country, they live in a language”, the Italian Ambassador to Algiers, Pasquale Ferrara – who attended the event – commented. He also underlined the depth of Lakhous’s work, as well as the richness of his human and professional experience. During the Book Fair, the European Union delegation in Algeria, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy, organized a conference with the Italian writer and journalist Paola Caridi, dedicated to the importance of artistic language in the development of citizenship. Finally, Amara Lakhous and Professor Francesco Leggio discussed the theme of “active citizenship” in contemporary societies during a dedicated meeting.
