Languages, Identities, and Transformations in András Ferenc Kovács’s Poetry

Abstract András Ferenc Kovács (1959–2023) was a contemporary Transylvanian Hungarian poet, translator, and editor, renowned for his innovative and multifaceted contributions to modern Hungarian literature. His poetry blends traditional lyricism with postmodern techniques, emphasizing intertextuality, allusions, and irony. In his poems, self-irony, rhetorical play, fragmented or deformed words, and nonsense serve the same purpose as the increasingly complex allegorization: exposing the mechanisms of power that insidiously undermine culture, language, and identity. Simultaneously, within certain socio-political contexts, his works highlight the morally questionable compromises of literary life under the shadow of the communist dictatorship. Kovács’s fragmented language and surreal imagery underscore the constraints of censorship and the absurdities of power. Themes of Transylvanian Hungarian identity emerge in his allegorical explorations, often layered with irony and self-reflection. The study examines how András Ferenc Kovács’s poetry uniquely combines traditional lyricism with postmodern fragmentation, creating a layered dialogue with cultural and poetic heritage.