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CHamoru Language Competition

Rules

CHamoru Language Competition



Areklamento | Competition Rules & Regulations

Eskuelan Ilimentåriu (Grades K-5)

‘)     Eligible Participants: Students who are currently enrolled in CHamoru language classes at his/her respective school, in a subject where the CHamoru language is part of a daily lesson, OR are members of a school club or organization where the CHamoru language is being learned and practiced. School clubs or organizations must submit a copy of their Constitution and By-Laws, and membership roster at the time of submitting their Intent to Participate and Competition Genre Participation Forms.  

  1. A)     Number of Participants from Each School: The maximum number of participants per school is sixty (60). Selection of students per school will be at the discretion of a designated school official who will submit names to the organizing committee via the online registration form by the established registration deadline.

Å)     Coach or Chaperone: Each school must have a coach or chaperone (designated by the school) for each category their school is participating in. For every additional ten (10) students, there must be one (1) additional chaperone present.

Umestoria (Storytelling)

‘)   Umestoria is divided into three grade categories: K-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Each school can have a maximum of three participants, but each must come from a different grade category, that is one from K-1, one from 2-3, and one from 4-5.

  1. A)   Each student will be given two (2) to four (4) minutes to tell a story in narrative form in the CHamoru language based on any one of the following themes: personal experiences, ghost stories, superstitious beliefs, an heirloom, artifact, art piece, traditional knowledge, cultural aspect, tradition, family oral history, custom, landmark, local history, legend, or myth.  
  1. The student may show one (1) item that best represents his/her story. It must be noted that the item should not be extremely valuable, dangerous, or illegal.  The student should be able to hold on to the item during the storytelling process and should not be mechanical in nature or a drawing/picture. (Note: The item is not required but recommended.) 

Å)   The top three (3) overall scores within each grade category will be awarded: first place, second place, and third place. 

  1. B)   Former competitors may not use prior stories. 
  2. CH)   Stories must be memorized.  
  3. D)   For this category, students can wear their school uniform or an outfit that is representative of their story. 

E)   Any student who has won first place in this category in the past three years is ineligible to compete. 

Sinangan (Oratorical)

‘) Sinangan is divided into two grade categories, 4th grade and 5th grade. Each school can have a maximum of two participants, but each must come from a different grade category, 4th or 5th grade.  

  1. A)  Each student will give a speech on the current theme: “Gu’ot yan Kåtga Mo’na i Tiningo’ i Manmofo’na na Mañaina-ta”. The speech must be an original piece written by the participant. 

Å) Each student will be given three (3) to four minutes (4) to speak about the theme.  

B) All speeches must be memorized. Notecards may be used for bulleted notes only, not the entire speech. Points will be deducted if the student reads the entire speech from the notecards. 

CH) Judges will evaluate the merits of the oratory based on the following criteria:

  1. Introduction  
  2. Message  
  3. Use of CHamoru words  
  4. Delivery  
  5. Conclusion  
  6. Stage presence 
  7. Overall Presentation  

D) A numerical score of 1 (lowest), 2, 3, 4, 5 (highest) will be given for each criterion above per competitor.  

E) For this category, the school uniform (or school affiliated clothing, such as t-shirt with school logo) is required for all participants. 

F) The top three (3) overall scores within each grade category will be awarded: First place, second place, and third place.

Koron Famagu’on (Children’s Choir)

') This competition is a group event comprising no less than fifteen (15) and not more than twenty (20) members for Grades K-2, and no less than fifteen (15) and not more than twenty (20) members for Grades 3-5. A school may send a total of forty (40) members if they are in the grade groups described above. The singing will be performed on choral risers. Only one (1) alternate per class will be allowed.

 

A) The group will have two (2) to four (4) minutes to perform.

 

Å) This year the competitors are allowed to compose their own song. An existing melody may be used, provided that the melody is associated with another CHamoru song or to use one of the recorded songs already in existence that best represent the theme, “Gu’ot yan Kåtga Mo’na i Tiningo’i Manmofo’na na mañaina-ta.”

 

B) Songs should be entirely in the CHamoru language. A copy of the song lyrics should be emailed to the Inacha’igen Committee by Tuesday, March 3, 2026..

 

CH) For this category, the school uniform (or school affiliated clothing, such as t-shirt with school logo) is required for all participants.

 

D.) Instrumentation is not allowed. Playing of minus one or cd/audio/video of music is NOT allowed. This category is strictly acapella.

 

E) The teacher or coach is allowed to be in front of the group to start the singing only. The teacher or coach is not to sing along or out loud as the group members are expected to memorize their performance number.

 

F) The top three (3) overall scores within each grade category will be awarded Third Place, Second Place, and First place.

 

Eskuelan Talo' (Grades 6-8)

Eligible Participants: Only students who are currently enrolled in CHamoru language classes at his/her respective school OR in a subject where the CHamoru language is part of a daily lesson OR who are a member of a school club or organization where the CHamoru language is being learned and practiced are eligible. School clubs or organizations must submit a copy of their Constitution and By-Laws, and membership roster at the time of submitting their Intent to Participate and Competition Genre Participation Forms.

Number of Participants from Each School: The maximum number of participants per school is sixty (60). Selection of students per school will be at the discretion of a designated school official who will submit names to the organizing committee at a set time and date indicated prior to the Competition.

Coach or Chaperone: Each school must have a coach or chaperone (designated by the school) for each category their school is participating in. For every ten (10) students, there must be a chaperone present.

Sinangan (Oratorical)

‘) Each school can have a maximum of two (2) participants. 

A) Each student will give a speech on the current theme: ... The speech must be an original piece written by the participant. 

Å)  Each student will be given three (3) to four minutes (4) to speak about the theme.

B) All speeches must be memorized. Notecards may be used for bulleted notes only, not the entire speech. Points will be deducted if the student reads the entire speech from the notecards. 

CH) Judges will evaluate the merits of the oratory, based on the following criteria: 

  1. Introduction  
  2. Message  
  3. Use of CHamoru words  
  4. Delivery  
  5. Conclusion  
  6. Stage presence 
  7. Overall Presentation  

D) A numerical score of 1 (lowest), 2, 3, 4, 5 (highest) will be given for each criterion above per competitor.  

E) For this category, the school uniform (or school affiliated clothing, such as t-shirt with school logo) is required for all participants. 

F) The top three (3) overall scores will be awarded Third Place, Second Place, and First place. 

G) Any student who has won 1st place in this category in the past three years is ineligible to compete.

Lålai/Kånta yan Baila

‘) This category celebrates the expressive artistry of CHamoru lålai, kånta, yan baila. Schools may choose to present:

  1. A traditional lålai (chant) performance
  2. A kånta yan baila (song and dance) performance 
  3. A hybrid presentation that integrates both forms.

The category allows flexibility in performance style while maintaining one consistent set of judging criteria that fairly evaluates the spectrum of performances. 

A) Each group will consist of eight (8) to twenty (20) student performers.

  1. Groups may feature any combination of male and female students.
  2. Under no circumstances shall the teacher or coach appear or be seen on stage or anywhere within its vicinity where his/her appearance is noted by the judges or the audience. 
  3. Teachers or coaches may not introduce the group or provide any vocal or visible assistance during the performance. 

Å) The performance length is no less than five (5) minutes and no more than ten (10) minutes.

  1. Schools may present an original composition or an adaptation of a traditional piece, so long as the performance relates to the competition theme: “I Fino’ CHamoru: Gu’ot yan Kåtga Mo’na i Tiningo’, i Manmofo’na na Mañaina-ta”
  2. The performance must be presented entirely in Fino’ CHamoru. The lyrics to the song must be sung by everyone in the group. No solos, duets, trios, or quartets are allowed.
  3. Allowed instruments include percussive and wind instruments made from natural materials, and acoustic or acoustic/electric guitars or ukeleles. Instruments must be played by and within the performance group. Instrumentalists that accompany the performance group of ten, whether offstage or backstage, are not allowed.
  4. No recorded or electronic music (e.g., CDs, phones, or background tracks) is allowed.

B) Costuming should complement the theme, reflect CHamoru aesthetics, and enhance the overall presentation.

CH) Schools must submit a copy of the lyrics or chant text by Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

D) The top three groups within each grade category will receive First, Second, and Third Place awards. 

Låhi na Kákanta yan Palao’an na Kákanta (Male/Female Singing)

‘) Two (2) students, one (1) male and one (1) female, will represent their school. 

A) Each will compete in two separate groups, one designated for male singers and the other designated for female singers. 

Å) The only accompanying instrument allowed for the singer is a six-string acoustic OR acoustic/electric guitar OR ukelele either played by the singer himself/herself or a separate guitar/ukelele player. Under no circumstances is the accompanist allowed to sing either in harmony or in chorus. Neither should there be any background support such as clapping, stomping or rhythmic percussion of any sort from others. No electronic equipment is allowed but the guitar can be electronically amplified or connected to a PA system. Minus one music and karaoke are NOT allowed to accompany the singer at any time. The singer will be disqualified immediately. 

B) Attire for the singer will be evaluated in the judging ballot. A CHamoru costume is required. The CHamoru costume is interpretive in nature by the singer himself/herself. 

CH) Any student who has won 1st place in this category in the past three years is ineligible to compete.

D) The top three (3) schools within each grade category will be awarded Third Place, Second Place, and First place.

E)  A copy of the  lyrics should be submitted on or before Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Eskuelan Takhilo' (Grades 9-12)

Eligible Participants: Only students who are currently enrolled in CHamoru language classes at his/her respective school OR in a subject where the CHamoru language is part of a daily lesson OR who are a member of a school club or organization where the CHamoru language is being learned and practiced are eligible. School clubs or organizations must submit a copy of their Constitution and By-Laws, and membership roster at the time of submitting their Intent to Participate and Competition Genre Participation Forms.

Number of Participants from Each School: The maximum number of participants per school is sixty (60). Selection of students per school will be at the discretion of a designated school official who will submit names to the organizing committee at a set time and date indicated prior to the Competition.

Coach or Chaperone: Each school must have a coach or chaperone (designated by the school) for each category their school is participating in. For every ten (10) students, there must be a chaperone present.

Sinangan (Oratorical)

‘) Each school can have a maximum of two (2) participants. 

A) Each student will give a speech on the current theme: ... The speech must be an original piece written by the participant. 

Å)  Each student will be given three (3) to four minutes (4) to speak about the theme.

B) All speeches must be memorized. Notecards may be used for bulleted notes only, not the entire speech. Points will be deducted if the student reads the entire speech from the notecards. 

CH) Judges will evaluate the merits of the oratory, based on the following criteria: 

  1. Introduction  
  2. Message  
  3. Use of CHamoru words  
  4. Delivery  
  5. Conclusion  
  6. Stage presence 
  7. Overall Presentation  

D) A numerical score of 1 (lowest), 2, 3, 4, 5 (highest) will be given for each criterion above per competitor.  

E) For this category, the school uniform (or school affiliated clothing, such as t-shirt with school logo) is required for all participants. 

F) The top three (3) overall scores will be awarded Third Place, Second Place, and First place. 

G) Any student who has won 1st place in this category in the past three years is ineligible to compete.

Prufisiente (Proficiency)

‘) Up to three (3) students may represent the school or school club/organization and they will compete in the following categories and will undergo a process of elimination as stipulated in items 1 through 3 below. 

A)   Three (3) events comprise this category: 

  1. Reading Comprehension: All participants in this category from all schools must first compete in the Reading Comprehension category.  Twenty (20) minutes will be given to each competitor. S/He must read a selection silently and answer questions in writing. Only the top third of the competitors will be selected to compete in the next event, which is the Impromptu Reading. 
  2. Impromptu Reading: The top third participants in this category from all schools will compete in the Impromptu Reading. Three (3) to four (4) minutes will be given to each competitor. S/He will read aloud a brief passage or poem given five (5) minutes prior to the competition. The top three winners in this category from all schools will then compete in the next level which is the Oral Impromptu Task Completion. 
  3. Oral Impromptu Task Completion: The top three (3) winners from all schools will compete in this category. Three (3) to four (4) minutes will be given to each competitor. S/He will be given a practical task using appropriate CHamoru language and behavior. 

Å) The top three (3) schools within each grade category will be awarded Third Place, Second Place, and First place. 

B) Any student who has won first place in this category the previous year or years in high school is ineligible to compete again.

CH) For this category, the school uniform (or school affiliated clothing, such as t-shirt with school logo) is required for all participants.

Låhi na Kákanta yan Palao’an na Kákanta (Male/Female Singer)

‘) Two (2) students, one (1) male and one (1) female, will represent their school. 

A) Each will compete in two separate groups, one designated for male singers and the other designated for female singers. 

 Å) The only accompanying instrument allowed for the singer is a six-string acoustic OR acoustic/electric guitar OR ukelele either played by the singer himself/herself or a separate guitar/ukelele player. Under no circumstances is the accompanist allowed to sing either in harmony or in chorus. Neither should there be any background support such as clapping, stomping or rhythmic percussion of any sort from others. No electronic equipment is allowed but the guitar can be electronically amplified or connected to a PA system. Minus one music and karaoke are NOT allowed to accompany the singer at any time. The singer will be disqualified immediately. 

B) Attire for the singer will be evaluated in the judging ballot. A CHamoru costume is required. The CHamoru costume is interpretive in nature by the singer himself/herself. 

CH) Any student who has won 1st place in this category in the past three years is ineligible to compete.

D) The top three (3) schools within each grade category will be awarded Third Place, Second Place, and First place.

E) A copy of the  lyrics should be submitted on or before

Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Lålai/Kånta yan Baila 

‘) This category celebrates the expressive artistry of CHamoru lålai, kånta, yan baila. Schools may choose to present:

  1. A traditional lålai (chant) performance
  2. A kånta yan baila (song and dance) performance 
  3. A hybrid presentation that integrates both forms.

The category allows flexibility in performance style while maintaining one consistent set of judging criteria that fairly evaluates the spectrum of performances. 

A) Each group will consist of eight (8) to twenty (20) student performers.

  1. Groups may feature any combination of male and female students.
  2. Under no circumstances shall the teacher or coach appear or be seen on stage or anywhere within its vicinity where his/her appearance is noted by the judges or the audience. 
  3. Teachers or coaches may not introduce the group or provide any vocal or visible assistance during the performance. 

Å) The performance length is no less than five (5) minutes and no more than ten (10) minutes.

  1. Schools may present an original composition or an adaptation of a traditional piece, so long as the performance relates to the competition theme: “I Fino’ CHamoru: Gu’ot yan Kåtga Mo’na i Tiningo’, i Manmofo’na na Mañaina-ta”
  2. The performance must be presented entirely in Fino’ CHamoru. The lyrics to the song must be sung by everyone in the group. No solos, duets, trios, or quartets are allowed.
  3. Allowed instruments include percussive and wind instruments made from natural materials, and acoustic or acoustic/electric guitars or ukeleles. Instruments must be played by and within the performance group. Instrumentalists that accompany the performance group of ten, whether offstage or backstage, are not allowed.
  4. No recorded or electronic music (e.g., CDs, phones, or background tracks) is allowed.

B) Costuming should complement the theme, reflect CHamoru aesthetics, and enhance the overall presentation.

CH) Schools must submit a copy of the lyrics or chant text by Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

 D) The top three groups within each grade category will receive First, Second, and Third Place awards.

Kompetensian Bideo (Compentency Video)

‘) High school students will create a short video presentation in the CHamoru language, demonstrating their creativity, language skills, and understanding of the 2026 theme: “I Fino’ CHamoru: Gu’ot yan Kåtga Mo’na i Tiningo’, i Manmofo’na na Mañaina-ta.”

A) Individual or group submissions are allowed. For group entries, a maximum of 5 high school students may participate per video, including the video editor and any other technical assistance. Each school may submit a maximum of one video entries for high school students. 

  1. The video must be entirely in CHamoru with only a few English words and related to the theme. 
  2. Students can choose any format for their video, such as a skit, documentary, commercial, storytelling, interview, or demonstration.  
  3. Videos must be an original creation by the students, with minimal adult assistance. 
  4. Duration: Each video should be 5-7 minutes not including the credits. 
  5. Format: Videos should be submitted in MP4 format. 
  6. Resolution: Minimum resolution of 720p is required for clear viewing. 

Å) Submission Process:  

  1. Digital submissions must be emailed to the Inachá’igen Committee at  inachaigen@gmail.com by Tuesday, March 3, 2026. 
  2. Include a title for the video, full names of participants (max 5 students), school, grade, and teacher’s contact information. 

B) Evaluation Criteria: 

  1. Relevance to Theme (1-5 points): How well the video aligns with and reflects the competition theme. 
  2. CHamoru Language Use (1-5 points): Fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary use in CHamoru. 
  3. Creativity (1-5 points): Originality and inventiveness in concept, scripting, and presentation. 
  4. Presentation Quality (1-5 points): Clarity of video and audio, as well as overall production quality. 
  5. Engagement (1-5 points): Ability to capture and hold the viewer’s interest. 

CH) Attire and Props: 

  1. Participants may wear costumes or use props that enhance the storytelling or presentation. 
  2. Props should be school-appropriate and related to the theme. Avoid highly valuable or dangerous items. 

D) Awards: The top three videos will receive awards for Third Place, Second Place, and First Place. Certificates will be awarded to all participants in the winning videos, and the videos will be showcased at the event on March 12-13, 2026.

E) Ineligibility: Past winners in the video category (if applicable) within the last three years may not resubmit similar content or concepts.