In times of war and political conflict, societies are often pushed toward division—across political views, ethnic identities, and religious differences. Yet throughout history, language and culture have often been the strongest forces bringing people back together.
For Iran and the wider Iranian cultural world, Persian language and shared cultural traditions have long connected diverse communities despite differences in region, ethnicity, and belief.
This speech contest invites students to reflect on their own experience as learners of Persian and students of Iranian culture.
Participants should address either or both of the two main questions:
- Looking at the present:
Over the past few months, how has studying Persian language or Iranian culture helped you better understand the current conflict, the people involved, or the conversations happening around Iran? - Looking ahead:
How can continuing to study Persian language and Iranian literature or culture help strengthen understanding, solidarity, and unity among people connected to Iran?
Students are encouraged to share personal reflections, stories from their learning experiences, cultural insights, or moments when knowing Persian or learning about Iranian culture changed how they understood people or events.
The goal is to reflect on how language and culture can act as bridges—connecting people across political, ethnic, and ideological divides.
Speech Guidelines
- Speeches should be 3–4 minutes long.
- The language of the speech is open: English, Persian, or a combination of both.
Speeches should focus on personal insight, cultural understanding, and thoughtful reflection.
Judging Criteria
Clarity of Idea — 30%
Does the speech clearly explain how studying Persian or Iranian culture helps build understanding or unity?
Personal Reflection — 25%
Does the speaker share meaningful personal experiences, observations, or insights?
Connection to Culture and Language — 20%
Does the speech engage with Persian language, Iranian literature, or cultural traditions?
Delivery — 15%
Clarity, confidence, and engagement with the audience.
Originality — 10%
Unique perspective or creative approach.
Event Information
Send your submission to hessam.dehghani@ubc.ca.
Essay Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Speech Contest Event:
March 24, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Event will be held in Persian, and a small reception will follow
Location:
Asian Studies Auditorium
Awards:
Students of Persian Program will receive 0.5 to 2 bonus points for taking part. Depending on the quality and originality of the work. Additionally, the first three winners will receive gift cards.
Alternative Modes of Collaboration
Students may also contribute music, songs, or artistic performances reflecting themes of peace, solidarity, and unity. These contributions will receive additional extra credit.
More description of the theme:
At a time when wars, political tensions, and media narratives often reduce complex societies to headlines and stereotypes, the study of language and culture becomes more important than ever.
Learning Persian and engaging with Iranian history, literature, and society opens a deeper perspective on a region that is frequently discussed but rarely understood in its full cultural and intellectual richness.
This speech contest invites students to reflect on a central question:
Why does studying Persian language and Iranian culture matter today—especially when the region faces conflict and uncertainty?
Participants are encouraged to explore how language learning, cultural knowledge, and scholarly engagement can contribute to dialogue, empathy, and more thoughtful approaches to conflict and peace.
Students may draw on history, literature, personal reflection, or current events to argue why understanding Iran and Persian culture matters in today’s world.
