Words
& Worlds:
Multilingual Poetry
Words & Worlds:
Multilingual Poetry
Words & Worlds: Multilingual Poetry is a poetry-writing competition that requires participants to produce an original multilingual poem to express meaning, identity, and intercultural understanding.
This competition aims to:
enhance creative writing skills by providing participants with opportunities to experiment with poetic techniques, imagery, symbolism, and multilingual expression;
promote linguistic diversity by encouraging participants to integrate two or more languages creatively within an original poem; and
foster appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity through artistic expression, traditions, and diverse perspectives.
a. SDG 4: Quality Education
Promoting language learning, creativity, literacy, and talent development through creative writing.
b. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity while providing opportunities for participants from diverse backgrounds to express their identities and perspectives.
c. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Appreciating and preserving language, culture, and community heritage through creative expression
Online (Written Submission)
Google Form
Primary: 10–20 lines
Secondary: 20–40 lines
Tertiary: 25–60 lines
Competition Guidelines
These guidelines are specific to the Words & Worlds: Multilingual Poetry competition and should be read together with the General Guidelines of the Language and Cultural Carnival (LCC) 2026.
a. The competition is open to participants according to the participation categories specified for LCC 2026.
b. Participation is on an individual basis only.
a. Participants are required to produce one (1) multilingual poem that explores and expresses ideas related to the LCC 2026 theme.
b. The poem must address at least one (1) of the following aspects:
a. Language;
b. Culture and heritage;
c. Identity;
d. Education and learning;
e. TVET, skills, and innovation;
f. Humanity; or
g. Human experiences.
c. The poem must fulfil the following requirements:
Language Use
a. The poem must incorporate at least two (2) languages, with one (1) language designated as the primary language and at least one (1) additional language.
b. Both the primary language and additional language(s) must be selected from the languages permitted under the LCC 2026 Language Policy, namely:
• Malay;
• Mandarin;
• Tamil;
• English; or
• Approved foreign languages (German, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, or Arabic).
Keywords
The poem must include all five (5) of the following keywords or their equivalent meanings in the language(s) used in the poem:
• Suara;
• Akar/Asal-usul;
• Jambatan/Penghubung;
• Perjalanan; dan
• Masa depan.
Writing System and Transliteration
Words or phrases written in scripts other than the Roman alphabet must be accompanied by Romanised transliterations in brackets.
Examples:
*Marks may be deducted for poems that do not comply with the specified requirements.*
Submission of Entries
Participants must:
• type the poem using the Microsoft Word template provided
• save the completed document in PDF format;
• name the PDF file according to the following format;
(For "Category", use the applicable category: Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary.)
Example: Primary_W&W_SK Gambang_111111111111
• include a Malay or English translation in the same document if the poem is written primarily in Mandarin, Tamil, or an approved foreign language;
• complete the official entry form by providing the required information and uploading the PDF file; and
• keep a copy of the submission confirmation automatically sent to the registered email address as proof of participation.
Judging Criteria
Participants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Theme, Message and Keyword Integration (20 marks)
The clarity, relevance, development, and depth of the poem's central theme or message and how meaningfully the five required keywords are incorporated.
Multilingual Integration and Cultural Expression (30 marks)
Effective and purposeful use of two or more languages to contribute to meaning, identity, culture, emotion, and artistic expression.
Poetic Elements and Language Use (25 marks)
Use of poetic techniques, imagery, word choice, structure, and language accuracy.
Originality and Creativity (15 marks)
Uniqueness of ideas, perspective, expression, and individual poetic voice.
Coherence and Overall Effectiveness (10 marks)
Organisation, flow, unity, and overall effectiveness of the poem as a complete work.
Submission
Deadline:
11:59 p.m.
Note: Participants are required to ensure that all required information and materials are complete before submitting their entries.