The Prince Pierre Foundation of Monaco welcomed Maurizio Serra to the Théâtre des Variétés for a lecture titled Writing in several languages, is it better to write?
The Italian diplomat, historian and member of the French Academy offered a rich and personal reflection on the relationship between language and literary expression.
Drawing on examples ranging from Goldoni and Nabokov to Samuel Beckett, Serra explored how writing across languages can shape thought, style and identity. He also reflected on his own journey, having lived and worked across Europe in major diplomatic roles, where language has played a central role in both professional and creative life. According to Serra, each language brings its own nuances, influencing not only how ideas are expressed but how they are formed.
The lecture captivated the audience by highlighting the deeply personal nature of multilingual writing. For some authors, choosing a language beyond their mother tongue becomes a necessity, a way to better capture certain emotions or perspectives. Serra suggested that writing in multiple languages is not simply a technical skill, but a means of expanding one’s intellectual and creative horizons.
Winner of the Prince Pierre Literary Prize in 2018 and a member of its Literary Council since 2021, Serra’s appearance reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to fostering high-level cultural and literary dialogue in the Principality.
Image: Manuel Vitali