Molvanîa: Difference between revisions
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=== Language === |
=== Language === |
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The fictional Molvanîan language is said to be so complicated that it takes an average of 16 years to learn. Not only is the tone in which one speaks important to the meaning, but also the [[Pitch (music)|pitch]]. It is a [[grammatical gender|gendered]] language, with different [[article (grammar)|article]]s being used depending on whether a noun is masculine, feminine, neutral, or a type of cheese. There are language schools for tourists to attend, which are described by the book as a "waste of time." |
The fictional Molvanîan language is said to be so complicated that it takes an average of 16 years to learn. Not only is the tone in which one speaks important to the meaning, but also the [[Pitch (music)|pitch]]. It is a [[grammatical gender|gendered]] language, with different [[article (grammar)|article]]s being used depending on whether a noun is masculine, feminine, neutral, or a type of cheese. There are language schools for tourists to attend, which are described by the book as a "waste of time." |
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=== Communications === |
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Molvania does not have a regulatory authority for wireless communications, therefore the use of any frequency is permitted. At least one maker of wireless data links <ref>http://www.ubnt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11584&language=gl</ref> has included Molvania as a choice that permits operation over a wider frequency range than is normally possible. |
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== Location == |
== Location == |
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Revision as of 00:46, 3 February 2011
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (February 2010) |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2010) |
 Molvanîa: a Land Untouched by Modern Dentistry | |
| Author | Tom Gleisner; Santo Cilauro; Rob Sitch |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Fictional country |
| Genre | Travel; comedy |
| Publisher | Jetlag travel guide |
Publication date | November 2003 (Australia)[1] |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Media type | Hardcover |
| Pages | 176 |
| ISBN | 9781740661102 |
| OCLC | 56672262 |
| A827.4 21 | |
| LC Class | PN6231.T7 C55 2003 |
| Followed by | Phaic Tăn |
| Molvanîa |
|---|
Molvanîa is a parody book sending up travel guidebooks. The guide describes the fictional country Molvanîa, in Eastern Europe, a nation described as "the birthplace of the whooping cough" and "owner of Europe's oldest nuclear reactor". The book's full title is Molvanîa: a Land Untouched by Modern Dentistry. It was created by Australians Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro and Rob Sitch (of The D-Generation and The Panel fame).
History
The book became a surprise success after its initial publication in Australia, sparking a bidding war for the international publication rights. Qantas has even run the half-hour video segment produced in association with the book on its international flights.
About Molvanîa
The Republic of Molvanîa is a composite of many stereotypes and clichés about Eastern Europe.
The book describes the nation as having been a desolate wasteland for much of its history, torn by civil war and ethnic unrest. Eventually Molvanîa's various warring factions were united as a single kingdom, ruled by a series of cruel despotic kings. In the late 19th century the monarchy was overthrown, but the royal family remained popular in exile. During World War II the country was allied with Nazi Germany, and then afterwards was occupied by the Soviet Union who set up a Communist puppet government. After the fall of European Communism in the 1990s, the country became a dictatorship run by a corrupt government with heavy ties to the Mafia.
Molvanîa is described as a very poor and rural country, heavily polluted and geographically barren. The infrastructure is terrible, with necessities such as electricity, clean water, and indoor plumbing being rare finds, largely due to bureaucratic incompetence. Though the travel guide tries to suggest otherwise, there is little to do in the country, the hotels are tiny, filthy and dilapidated, the ethnic cuisine disgusting, and the "tourist attractions" boring and overpriced.
The Molvanîan people are portrayed as being generally rude, dirty, and at times slightly psychotic, with numerous bizarre and illogical beliefs and traditions. The country's patron saint is Fyodor.
Language
The fictional Molvanîan language is said to be so complicated that it takes an average of 16 years to learn. Not only is the tone in which one speaks important to the meaning, but also the pitch. It is a gendered language, with different articles being used depending on whether a noun is masculine, feminine, neutral, or a type of cheese. There are language schools for tourists to attend, which are described by the book as a "waste of time."
Communications
Molvania does not have a regulatory authority for wireless communications, therefore the use of any frequency is permitted. At least one maker of wireless data links [1] has included Molvania as a choice that permits operation over a wider frequency range than is normally possible.
Location
It is never specified just where Molvania is on the world map. It shares geographical similarities to Moldova, Ukraine (except being landlocked) and Slovakia. However, it is said that it borders Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Romania. This is impossible, given the real geography and the presented shape of the country.
Criticism
The book was criticized by the UK's former Minister for Europe Keith Vaz, who accused it of exploiting prejudices about Eastern Europe.
He said the book was a little "cheeky" because "it does reflect some of the prejudices which are taking root [in Europe]. He [Mr Gleisner] does try and show exactly where we are lacking in our knowledge, the sad thing is, some people might actually believe that this country exists."
Other fictional travel guides
The book advertises other (fictional) travel guides: Takki Tikki (the South Pacific), Bongoswana (Central Africa), the Tofu Islands of Mellaria and Rumpapumpaam (Southeast Asia), Moustaschistan (Central Asia), and the promiscuous Syphollos Straits (the Mediterranean).
Sequels
Subsequent travel guide parodies published examine Southeast Asian nation Phaic Tăn (published 2004) and San Sombrèro in Latin America (published in 2006).
See also
External links
- Official Site for Molvanîa
- Molvanîa spoof mocks travel books, BBC
- Laughs in Land That Dentistry Forgot, The Age
- Welcome to Molvania, The Globe and Mail