Do you know a word or phrase in another language that simply can't be translated into English? Dive deep into its meaning and tell us the story of a moment you needed a word that English doesn't have.

Untranslatable: The Word I Can’t Explain in English – challenges you to craft a 500-word written story and a 60-second digital narrative (narrated audio, a captioned short video, or a photo-essay with voice-over) with the untranslatable word spoken in its original language.

Write. Speak. Reimagine.

Submissions now open! Upload your entries here.

Follow our Instagram (@hkust.cle.lang) for updates!

Eligibility and entry

1. Contestants must be HKUST students for the academic year 2026/2027.
2. Submissions for entries must include:
   1. A 500-word story in a PDF file.
   2. A 60-second digital piece retelling the story in a public view link on an accessible platform.

Prizes

1. Winners & Runner-ups
   1. Champion: 800HKD cash prize/coupon
   2. 1^st Runner up: 600HKD cash prize/coupon
   3. 2^nd Runner up: 400HKD cash prize/coupon
   4. Audience choice award: 200HKD cash prize/coupon
2. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
3. Winning entries will be featured on the CLE website and social media channels.

Competition Guidelines

1. Both the 500-word story and 60-second digital piece should be in English, with only the chosen word or phrase being in a different language.
2. There is a buffer of ±10% for the word count and time limit. Entries that go under or exceed the stated limits will be penalized.
3. AI Usage policy: Entries that are entirely produced with the use of AI tools will be disqualified. You should state any use of AI tools and specify which parts of your entry involved AI (e.g., idea generation, writing, script drafting, images or illustrations). 

Judging criteria

1. Storytelling Skills and Creativity (40%)
   • Narrative structure and coherence: Presents a clear beginning, development, and conclusion, with ideas or events organised in a logical and engaging sequence.
   • Character, setting, and plot: Develops narrative elements through vivid and meaningful detail; these may be conveyed through narration, imagery, sound, or editing.
   • Language and voice: Uses imaginative, precise, and appropriate language. In audio and video formats, this includes effective narration, tone, pacing, and delivery.
2. Intercultural awareness and insights (40%)

• Context and cultural significance: Clearly identifies a word or phrase that has no direct English equivalent and explains how cultural meanings and context make it difficult to translate.
• Cross-cultural Accessibility: Provides sufficient explanation and context for audiences unfamiliar with the language or culture, without oversimplifying its meaning.
• Authenticity: Represents the language, culture, and lived experience thoughtfully and respectfully.

3.  Multimodal Communication (20%)

• Effective use of multimedia elements: Adapts the story between written and digital forms effectively by making appropriate linguistic and stylistic choices in audio, video, imagery, and narration.

Terms & Conditions

1. By submitting your work, you grant the Centre for Language Education the non-exclusive right to showcase, share, and distribute your submission across its social media, educational materials, and promotional channels.
2. By accepting a prize, awardees agree to contribute to future Center for Language Education (CLE) events as facilitators, promotional contributors, or in other designated capacities upon request. The CLE reserves the right to engage prize recipients in relevant promotional, co-curricular, or other initiatives following the competition.
3. The organizer reserves the right to interpret and amend the competition guidelines.