Fonnkèr

Fonnkèr is, in Réunion Creole, a state of mind specific to the people of the French overseas department of Réunion which conveys a deep feeling, a sense of love, happiness, bitterness, emotion, or thought.^[1] The term, which comes from the French fond du cœur ("bottom of one's heart"), is also applied to the modes of expression that allow such a state of mind to be externalized, in particular Réunionnais poetry, to the extent that fonnkèr can be used synonymously with "poem."^[1][2][3][4]

Fonnkèr can be expressed orally (as part of the island's oral traditions) or in writing or song.^[3][4] It follows a natural rhythm rather than more formal meter and rhyme.^[3] Artists who have specialized in fonnkèr include Danyèl Waro, Kréolokoz, Zanmari Baré [fr], and Ann O'aro.^[3][5][6][7] These artists are known as fonnkézéz and fonnkézèr.^[4] The form is celebrated at the annual Koktèl Fonnkèr festival.^[4]