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School of Languages, Literacies & Translation  |  Main Campus

SoLLaT USM Celebrates El Día del Libro with UniKL MSI

In celebration of El Día del Libro (World Book Day), observed annually on 23 April, Spanish language communities worldwide honour the literary legacy of Miguel de Cervantes, one of the most influential figures in Spanish literature and author of the timeless masterpiece Don Quixote. The occasion also marks the global significance of Spanish as one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
In conjunction with this meaningful celebration, the Foreign Language Section of the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation (SOLLAT), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the UniKL Malaysian Spanish Institute, organised Celebrating El Día del Libro 2026 on 13 May 2026 at the Pinang Conference Hall, SOLLAT.
The event brought together not only Spanish language students from USM but also participants from the UniKL Malaysian Spanish Institute, fostering cross-institutional engagement. With approximately 60 students in attendance, the programme provided a valuable platform for learners from different institutions to build camaraderie while immersing themselves in the Spanish language and culture beyond the classroom setting.
Participants engaged in a series of enriching and interactive activities designed to enhance both linguistic and cultural appreciation. Among the highlights were the talk “Don Quixote: Exploring a Timeless Literary Masterpiece,” the Rhythm and Expression: Spanish Short Poem Recital Competition, and Moments in Motion: A Spanish Short Film Screening. A particularly notable session featured a talk by Dr. Ana Zahara Sánchez Álvarez, a native speaker currently undertaking her teaching practicum at USM, who offered valuable insights into the enduring relevance of Don Quixote.
The event successfully created an engaging and dynamic environment for students to practise their Spanish language skills in authentic contexts while deepening their appreciation of Hispanic literary and cultural traditions.
It is hoped that initiatives such as this will continue to inspire more USM students to explore foreign languages, particularly Spanish, and recognise the vast opportunities that multilingualism can offer in their future academic and professional pursuits.
Credits
Text by: Ummu Salmah Rahamatullah
Photos by: Nur Amirah Abdul Aziz, Mohamad Fuad Bin Che Din
Upload/Layout by: Neoh Hun Keong