Oliver Friggieri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oliver Friggieri
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| Born | March 27, 1947 Floriana, Crown Colony of Malta
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| Died | 21 November 2020 (aged 73) Malta
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| Alma mater | University of Malta Catholic University of Milan |
| Occupation | Literature, Poetry, Philosophy |
Oliver Friggieri (born March 27, 1947 – died November 21, 2020) was a very important Maltese poet, novelist, and philosopher. He helped create the study of Maltese literature and how to understand it. He taught at the University of Malta for many years.
Friggieri was a very active writer. He tried new ways to use and promote the Maltese language. For example, he wrote the words for the first oratorio and cantata (types of musical stories) in Maltese. His work aimed to celebrate Maltese culture. He also wasn't afraid to talk about tough topics. His famous novel, Fil-Parlament Ma Jikbrux Fjuri (No Flowers Grow in Parliament, 1986), criticized how politics divided society.
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Early Life and Education
Oliver Friggieri was born in Floriana, Malta, in 1947. He went to a special school called the Archbishop's Minor Seminary for his high school years. Later, he studied at the Major Seminary until 1967.
In 1964, he started studying at the University of Malta. He earned a degree in Maltese, Italian, and Philosophy in 1968. He was the first person to get a Master's degree in Maltese literature from the University of Malta in 1975. Later, in 1978, he earned a PhD in Maltese literature and literary criticism from the Catholic University of Milan in Italy.
Oliver Friggieri's Career
After finishing his studies in 1968, Oliver Friggieri started teaching Maltese and Philosophy in high schools. In 1976, he began working at the University of Malta. He became a professor in 1990. From 1988 to 2002, he was the head of the Maltese language department.
Promoting Maltese Language and Literature
Friggieri strongly supported the Maltese language and its literature, especially after Malta became independent. In 1967, he helped start the Malta's Literary Revival Movement. He was also part of the team that created Il-Polz, a magazine for this movement.
In 1971, Friggieri helped create Is-Sagħtar, a popular magazine for children that focused on literature and culture. That same year, he and Paul Mizzi started a publishing company called Klabb Kotba Maltin (Maltese Book Club). This company made it easier to publish books in Maltese. From 1980, he also edited the Journal of Maltese Studies.
His Writings and Works
Oliver Friggieri wrote many different types of books and articles. Even though he focused on Maltese literature, his works often included deep thoughts and ideas. He wrote dictionaries about literature, and also the words for musical pieces like oratorios and cantatas.
He wrote the words for the first oratorio in Maltese, called Pawlu ta’ Malta (1989). He also wrote the words for the first cantata in Maltese, L-Għanja ta’ Malta (1989). Both of these musical works had music written by Charles Camilleri. Friggieri also wrote detailed studies about the works of other important Maltese writers like Mikiel Anton Vassalli. His own writings have been translated into 16 languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and Greek.
Friggieri also wrote for Maltese newspapers like L-Orizzont and In-Nazzjon. He wrote many novels and short stories. His fiction and poetry were often influenced by a way of thinking called existentialism, which explores the meaning of life. His 1986 novel, Fil-Parlament Ma Jikbrux Fjuri, was very talked about. It showed the strong divisions caused by politics in Malta. He also wrote a tribute to Karin Grech and Raymond Caruana, who were victims of political violence in Malta during the 1980s.
Friggieri was part of a group that translated legal texts from the European Union into Maltese. In 2008, he published his autobiography, Fjuri li ma Jinxfux (Flowers Which Never Wither). This book covered his life from 1955 to 1990. Besides his own works, he also translated books from English, Italian, and Latin into Maltese.
Awards and Recognition
Oliver Friggieri received the Ġieħ l-Akkademja tal-Malti gold medal in 2016. He also won Malta's National Book Prize many times. In 2013, the Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat, chose him to lead the Foundation for National Festivities.
Personal Life
Oliver Friggieri was married to Eileen, and they had one daughter and two grandchildren. He passed away on November 21, 2020. A special funeral, organized by the state, was held for him on November 25. That day was even declared a national day of mourning in Malta.
In December 2020, it was announced that a part of Triq l-Argotti in Floriana would be named after Oliver Friggieri. This idea came from James Aaron Ellul, a local leader in Floriana. A monument to honor him will also be built in his hometown of Floriana. The monument is designed by the Maltese artist John Grima.
Honours
Malta: Government Literary Award (1988, 1996, 1997)- Malta: Member, National Order of Merit (1999)
Italy: Trieste International Poetry Festival Prize (2002)- Italy: Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2012)
- Malta: Ġieħ l-Akkademja tal-Malti Gold Medal (2016)
See also
- Philosophy in Malta
