On October 22, Clemson University held its annual forty-fourth poetry declamation contest. Open to students currently taking language courses as well as to native speakers, the declamation allows students to explore a number of languages, including Latin, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, German, Italian, French, Spanish and American Sign Language. For students with an avid interest in any language, competing in the declamation is a truly worthwhile experience. Below are three reasons why everyone should participate.

1. Deeper Cultural Understanding

The declamation requires each competitor to memorize and recite two poems: a mandatory selection and another of his or her choice from three given options. Competitors are divided into levels and classes according to the number of years they have taken a language and amount of exposure outside the classroom and compete within their groups.Students recite the poems individually to a panel of judges that evaluate performances according to accuracy, pronunciation, interpretation delivery.

Though culture is a part of most language courses’ curriculums, reading and interpreting poetry is another matter, nevertheless knowing them by heart. Understanding any poetry demands the ability to translate not only literally but also figuratively. It necessitates an insight into the language and its respective nations as they decipher the meanings and subtle implications that their poems constitute. As students strive to do so in preparation for the declamation, they will reach another depth in understanding and exploration of not only the technicality of the language but also the richness of a culture from which the poems were composed.

2. Meeting New People

One of the greatest things about the declamation are the competitors themselves. The declamation attracts students of all levels from a number of states including South Carolina and Georgia, all of whom seek to achieve a greater understanding of their respective languages. As students compete, they will have the opportunity to meet and interact with others who share similar passions in learning new languages and literary works, expanding their knowledge and sense of community that language works to unite.

3. Recognition

Following the declamation is an award ceremony held at Tillman Hall Auditorium. Amidst a bustling hall, almost all seats occupied by hopeful competitors, teachers parents, the winners of each language and class are announced, recognizing and awarding students for their hard work. No matter whether or not a student wins, however, he or she will leave with something much more valuable: a literary work known by heart to last a lifetime.

Reciting poetry in another language is no easy feat. Yet when students undertake such a challenge, they acquire a deeper appreciation and mastery of their respective languages. Participating in the Clemson Declamation offers students an opportunity to grow and discover, to explore the depths of a language and to garner an invaluable insight in understanding poetry in the broader context of culture.