Singularities of Madagascar: Language, literature and civilization

These scientific days have three objectives:

• To highlight the singularities of Madagascar. Indeed, Madagascar is an exceptionally rich island, whose linguistic, historical, cultural and environmental specificities testify to a unique diversity, marked by multiple influences. It's an exceptional land where identity has been forged at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean, Africa and Asia.
• To take stock of teaching and research on the Malagasy language and culture in France and around the world.
• Undersline the international importance of the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales for teaching and research on the Malagasy language, literature and culture. The meeting will bring together specialists (young researchers, established teacher-researchers) in various fields: linguistics, literature, anthropology, history, archaeology, geography, sociology, music, etc.

This event will bring together specialists (young researchers, experienced teacher-researchers) in various fields: linguistics, literature, anthropology, history, archaeology, geography, sociology, music, etc.

Program

• December 11, 2025 - 6:30pm-9pm: film screening, amphi 6

Projection of the historical documentary FITAMPOHA

by Jacques Lombard and Jean Claude Rahaga, 1980, 1h17mn

Producers: Université de Madagascar, Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie

This film captures the Fitampoha ceremony held in September 1978

The Fitampoha or royal relic bath ceremony is a political institution of the ancient Sakalava-Menabe kingdom on Madagascar's west coast. The tradition has been maintained to the present day, and the ceremony now takes place every ten years. The festival takes place on a sandy islet on the banks of the Tsiribihina River near the town of Belo. Over the course of a week, participants relive every episode in the kingdom's history, from mythical times dating back to God to the last heir of the ancient kings. The festival culminates on the last Friday, the day on which the relics are bathed in the river, a symbolic act that updates the fundamental alliance between the dynasty and the first occupants of the territory.

Projection open to the public and followed by a discussion with director J. Lombard.

• December 12, 2025 - 6pm-9:45pm: Cultural evening, auditorium

Rhythms and words from Madagascar : 130 years of history

Sinking into an evening where Malagasy culture dances and sings, words become music, gestures become poetry, and voices weave stories old and new, teachers, students, alumni and collaborating associations join together to paint a vivid picture of colors, rhythms and smiles. In this celebration of 130 years of Malagasy, every note, every story, every dance step becomes a bridge between memory and creation, between yesterday and today, a breath that makes the heart and soul vibrate. And to close this enchanted journey, Malagasy sweets will awaken taste buds and warm hearts, leaving an island fragrance wafting through the air, a burst of celebration and sharing, like a ray of sunshine in the hollow of the night.

Closing with a small snack "Tsiky sy Tsakitsaky" - Smiles & closing sweets in the auditorium foyer