On Friday 13th September, the Irish Aerial Creation Centre welcomed audiences for an engaging and thought-provoking presentation by Island Connect artist Misandra Fondacci. The event invited participants to reflect on the deep connections between language, place, and identity, opening up a rich conversation about what it means to belong to an island community.
As part of her research within the Island Connect project, Misandra explored the concept of linguistic insularity and the ways in which language is shaped by territory, culture, and collective memory. Drawing on her own experience from Corsica, she examined the relationship between the island's two languages, French and Corsican, and compared this with Ireland's bilingual landscape of Gaeilge and English.
Throughout the presentation, Misandra shared insights into how languages evolve alongside the places in which they are spoken. She discussed the unique role that minority and regional languages play in expressing cultural identity, preserving local knowledge, and maintaining connections between communities and their environments.
The discussion highlighted striking parallels between Ireland and Corsica. Despite their different histories and geographical contexts, both islands continue to navigate the relationship between a dominant language and a language deeply rooted in local culture and heritage. These linguistic realities reveal broader questions about belonging, identity, and how communities maintain their distinctiveness in an increasingly connected world.
Audience members were invited to engage with Misandra's ongoing research, contributing their own experiences and perspectives on language and place. The presentation sparked meaningful conversations around multilingualism, cultural heritage, and the importance of protecting and celebrating linguistic diversity.
A central theme throughout the evening was the intimacy that exists between a language, the territory where it is spoken, and the people who speak it. Through personal reflections, research, and discussion, Misandra encouraged participants to consider how language shapes not only communication but also our understanding of ourselves, our histories, and our relationship to place.
The event embodied the spirit of the Island Connect project, which brings together artists and communities from island regions across Europe to explore themes of insularity, identity, and cultural exchange. By creating opportunities for dialogue and shared learning, Island Connect continues to foster new perspectives on the unique experiences of island communities.
We thank Misandra Fondacci for sharing her research and insights, and all those who joined us for an evening of discussion, reflection, and connection.
Island Connect is funded through Creative Europe and supported in Ireland by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle EalaÃon, Creative Europe Desk Ireland – Culture Office, and Limerick City and County Council.