Fourth Annual Languages Interpretive Reading Contest 2026

Date and Time: Thursday, May 7 starting at 5:00pm; refreshments from 4:00pm

Location: Mt. San Antonio College, Building 77-1000 Lecture Hall and Lobby. Feel free to invite family and friends to the live performance. The evening will also be recorded. Parking Lot G now costs $5.

Details: Find out what interpretive reading is and how to do it.

Evaluation: Find out what the judges will be looking for. View the evaluation form.

Application: Submit your information. Limited spaces.

Share an event flyer with students wanting to participate.

Invite students, family, others to the event.

Location & Parking:
- Guests of Mt. SAC:
  Purchase $5 Day-Use Permit and Park in Lot G.
- Staff and Students with Permit: Park in Lot H

Deadline to Apply is Thursday, April 23.

Purpose:

The participant will choose a literature item, such as poetry, fiction, children’s literature, news articles, speeches, and letters, or media item such as animations, movies, and songs written in their language of study that is either published or self-authored and make any appropriate edits so that their selection is not longer than 4 minutes or shorter than 1 minute. The purpose is to:
- Build appreciation for the participant’s language and culture of study.
- Develop skill in conveying the meaning and emotions of literature or media in another language.
- Improve pronunciation in a fun and meaningful way.

Interpretive reading is the effective communication of an author’s thoughts and/or feelings to the listener.
The reader should draw meaning from the selection to share with the audience.
All the skills of reading aloud, including vocal flexibility, clear articulation and correct pronunciation, as well as pauses and rate variation, can be used in interpretive reading.

All presentations must include a typed version of the material in the language of study and the English translation typed. This will be emailed to langlab@mtsac.edu by Thursday, April 30 before the contest. Students performing in ASL will only need to submit the written English translation of their material.
All presenters must meet with a professor in the performance language by Thursday, April 30. The professor may ask you to perform the material for them to assure that you are well-prepared for the event.
Including the introduction, all entries will be 1- 4 minutes.
All presentations must contain an introduction that includes:
- Student’s name and language of study
- Title and author of the material
- Reason for choosing the material
- Any background information that listeners need in order to understand the material better.
Read or memorize your presentation. Mount on black construction paper or in a black folder if you will be referring to notes or reading.
The participant may (not required) include costume, props, or movement in addition to vocal interpretation.
Due to time limits:
- There will be no more than 8 participants per language.
- First and second place winners for each language will be announced at the end of the evening. First place will receive a plaque and $50 and second place will receive $20.