The Chinese Educators Association of Macau hosted the 40th Macao Students’ Recitation Contest at Hou Kong Middle School on Estrada de Ferreira do Amaral last Saturday.
According to a statement released during the contest, a total of 86 school campuses participated in the contest, with 4,043 participants.
Zheng Jiezhao, chairman of the association and principal of Lou Hau High School, told the Post on that day that the competition serves a multifaceted role: celebrating Macau’s diverse cultural identity and enhancing students’ linguistic and cultural literacy.
“In an era dominated by digital media and artificial intelligence (AI), recitation – as a vital form of oral art – plays an irreplaceable role in cultivating a student’s focus, emotional expression, and interpersonal communication skills,” Zheng noted.
While Zheng acknowledged that technology could eventually assist in objective scoring, he maintained that the human element is paramount. “Emotional expression in recitation requires personal experience,” he said.
He added that the association is considering future innovations, such as exploring using AI-assisted judging for helping the judges. He also underlined that the competition has received enthusiastic support from teachers, students, and parents across various schools over the years. With a steady increase in both participating schools and attendees, it has become a renowned academic event in Macau. This contest continues to promote the exchange and development of language arts* locally, fostering students’ interest and proficiency in language learning while enhancing their overall cultural literacy.
Tou Chi Wai, a judge for the Portuguese recitation category, emphasised that a stellar performance relies on three pillars – clear enunciation, appropriate emotional expression, and a profound understanding of the source text.
“Vocal technique and emotional delivery are inextricably linked,” Tou observed. He noted a positive shift in recent years, with students opting for materials more relatable to daily life. This has resulted in performances that feel more natural and unrestrained, aided by modern teaching methods that prioritise contextual learning.
Sara, an English language teacher from Portugal based at St Joseph Diocesan College (The Fifth School) (CDSJ5), highlighted the specific challenges posed by Portuguese literature. “Portuguese poetry often carries a melancholic, nostalgic tone that differs from the English tradition,” she said. “This presents a unique challenge for students when interpreting the text.”
To build confidence, Sara focuses on correcting pronunciation while using encouragement and relaxed interaction to alleviate the pressure often felt by those starting to learn the language. Sara says she firmly believes that recitation acts as a vital supplement to textbook learning, fostering sustainable growth and heightened language awareness.
Sou, a student at CDSJ5, stepped out of her comfort zone to recite in Portuguese for the first time. She chose a poem about an amusement park, drawn to its message regarding the importance of preserving one’s innocence into adulthood. “Navigating the nasal and rolled sounds was a challenge,” she admitted, noting that she spent hours listening to recordings to refine her delivery. “Recitation is about finding resonance between myself and the poem. It has taught me that language is a living medium.”
Luciano, a student from Hou Kong Middle School (Primary Section), selected a poem about a mischievous boy because he felt it mirrored his own personality. His mother, surnamed Ma, observed that the months of preparation significantly improved their bond. “Practising together each night has been wonderful for our communication,” she said. “Beyond school, this has been an incredible development opportunity for him.”
Luciano’s teacher, surnamed Kuan, said that her training prioritises perseverance and resilience. “We teach students to stay calm and approach practice step by step,” she said. “These are qualities – etiquette and appreciation – that aren’t found in textbooks but are essential for life.”
A Form One Portuguese- and English-language teacher from Fu Luen School, surnamed Chong, said that the contest encourages empathy. Fu Luen School launched its secondary school courses last September; before it only provided primary school and kindergarten courses. Chong said that by assuming different roles through text, students gain a broader perspective on life, while simultaneously sharpening their oral logic and self-assurance. As the local educational landscape evolves, such contests remain a cornerstone in preparing Macau’s youth for the international stage, Chong said.
Another student from Hou Kong Middle School (Primary Section), called Howard, told the Post that this year marks the third time he has participated in the recitation contest. In the first two years, he took part in a group recitation, but this year he chose to challenge himself by entering the solo English recitation upper primary category, hoping to push beyond his comfort zone. Howard said that he selected a cheerful piece, “Dauntless Dimble” by Jack Prelutsky**, because he sees himself as the funny person at school. He admitted that he has had limited practice time but views recitation as a process of performance and textual comprehension, and he has always loved the English language.
*”Language arts” is the umbrella term for the academic discipline that teaches students how to use and understand their primary language. It typically includes: literature, composition, linguistics, and communication. – Gemini
** Jack Prelutsky, 85, is a US writer of children’s poetry who has published over 50 poetry collections. – Wikipedia
Chinese Educators Association of Macau Chairman Zheng Jiezhao (centre) and other representatives from the “40th Macao Students’ Recitation Contest” preparatory committee pose on Hou Kong Middle School’s campus on Estrada de Ferreira do Amaral last Saturday. – Photos: Armindo Neves
Five photos taken during last Saturday’s contest show contestants reciting poems, taking photos with their teachers.
