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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2016 43 Why did you deem the idea of the subject in Maltese litera- ture to be worthy of a confer- ence? Would you say there have been some key developments in this regard that then warrant- ed such academic attention? I think both questions can be linked. The focus of the confer- ence provides a common factor which can help to assess, and then determine, how and why contemporary narrative may be established as a new genre in the tradition of Maltese narrative. This can be explained by the title chosen, that is 'Jiena (x')jien?: Is- Suġġett fin-Narrattiva Kontem- poranja Maltija', which can be translated roughly into '(What) am I: The Subject in Contempo- rary Maltese Novel'. The insertion of the interroga- tive element in the narrator's as- sertion opening Frans Sammut's 1965 novel 'Labirint', which is considered to be the first exam- ple of modernism in Maltese nar- rative, is ultimately intended as an assessment of contemporary Maltese narrative's contribution to Maltese literature. The 'Jiena jien' is a philosophical assertion providing Maltese narrative with what seems to be the first at- tempt at creating a subject who is conscious of his existence. By questioning the assertion, that is by interrogating what is the subject making the existential statement, the conference aims to assess how this subject has de- veloped throughout the past 50 years of Maltese narrative, and if this development can be deemed enough to establish contempo- rary narrative as a genre. How would you say your se- lection of speakers reflects the level of interest and the variety of debate on 'the subject'? To be honest, it is not that easy to find speakers who can combine their expertise with an interest in Maltese literature. Unfortunately, there were aca- demics who didn't even bother to answer our invitation for their participation in the conference. Given these circumstances, we were limited in our selection of speakers. Notwithstanding this difficulty, I have to say that we are more than satisfied with the participants. Two independent reviewers, experts in the literary field, were appointed to assess the standard of the detailed ab- stract of each participant's pro- posal. The reactions given by the reviewers were encouraging, and confirmed that our aim to create a debate of a certain standard is not that impossible to reach. Apart from the standard reached, it was our intention to provide as much a wide perspec- tive on the subject as possible. That is why the speakers were selected from various fields, ranging from Maltese literature, English literature, Sociology and Philosophy. To add to this, we left up to the speakers to choose which critical methodology to adopt in their analyses. In fact, various methodologies are ap- plied by the speakers, namely Marxist, Post-structuralist, Deconstructionist, Reader-Re- sponse and Feminist views on literature. This wide spectrum of schools of thought guaran- tees different perspectives on the subject, making the conference an ideal platform from which discourses on various narrative aspects can be developed. Do you think there is a healthy enough debate – or a debate at all, period – about Maltese literature and where it's head- ing? Do you think we need more events like Jiena (x')jien and if so, which aspects of Maltese lit- erature would you hope them to address in particular? Although one cannot deny that there have been appreciable ef- forts in trying to appreciate contemporary literature, mainly through essays published in local academic journals, theses and the introduction of study-units covering contemporary Maltese literature at University level, I'm afraid to say that, despite their worthiness, they remain isolated efforts. So no, I don't think there is a healthy enough debate. In this regard, a conference pro- vides the needed space where a concerted effort can be reg- istered. It is our hope that this concerted effort would in the long run generate similar efforts. An aspect of Maltese literature which is neglected from the critical scene and needs more attention is the establishment of criteria for evaluation. After having established these criteria, one can start analysing the direc- tion in which our literature may be heading. The establishment of a literary canon concerning Mal- tese poetry, narrative and drama may be regarded as a good step in the right direction. Jiena(x') jien will be tak- ing place at the Old University Building, Valletta on December 3 from 08:30. Speakers include Da- vid Aloisio, Josette Attard, Ste- phen Bonanno, Kurt Borg , Ivan Callus, Mark Camilleri, Adrian Grima, Bernard Micallef, Joseph Vella, Anna Zammit and Fran- cois Zammit. To book a place, send an email to clare.azzopar- di@um.edu.mt This Week Environment & Resources Authority Hexagon House, Spencer Hill, Marsa. CAREER OPPORTUNITY The Environment & Resources Authority is seeking to employ experienced professionals to join a growing team of specialized officers. They are also to possess interpersonal, methodological, leadership and communication skills, along with the ability to conduct research and analysis. The selected applicants must be team players with good time management and negotiation skills. Assistant Officer (ICT) Jobsplus Permit No.450/2016 This Authority is recruiting an assistant officer to join the ICT team and will be responsible for assisting in the upkeeping of all ICT systems. The officer shall also be responsible for the development and implementation for a number of cross-cutting projects dealing with ICT/IS. Interested applicants are expected to be fluent in both written and spoken English. The position requires a Bachelor's Degree in any one of the following: computer science, information systems or comparable qualification as recognized by MQRIC; and broad knowledge of information technology, with a firm understanding of related disciplines including SQL databases and GIS products and processes. Senior Officer (PR & Communication) Jobsplus Permit No.483/2016 This Authority is recruiting a senior officer to lead the PR & Communication Team in delivering effective and efficient Communication, Education and Public Awareness initiatives. The position requires a First Degree at MQF Level 6 recognised by the NCFHE in either, natural sciences, environmental management, environmental planning, communications or comparable qualification. Interested applicants are expected to be fluent in both written and spoken Maltese and English. A minimum of 3 years post graduate experience in coordinating PR and Communication projects and activities is also required. Interested candidates are advised to submit their application quoting the Jobsplus permit number, together with a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and MQRIC recognition in case of foreign qualifications by noon of the 12th December 2016 (CET) to the attention of Human Resources, via email on vacancies.era@era.org.mt For further information, visit the careers page on our website: http://era.org.mt/en/Pages/Current-Vacancies.aspx The trouble with 'identity' Maltese literature lecturer Stephen Bonanno speaks to TEODOR RELJIC about Jiena (x')jien?, an upcoming conference that seeks to explore the dynamic of the subject in contemporary Maltese literature "It is not that easy to find speakers who can combine their expertise with an interest in Maltese literature" Stephen Bonanno