Students can practice speaking a foreign language while competing to put together puzzles at this year’s Foreign Language Puzzle Competition.

Sponsored by the French Club, the competitions will be held April 4 and April 11 on the seventh floor of the library. The French Club already hosted two competitions March 21 and March 28. The activity lasts from 9:30 – 10:30 p.m.

During these competitions, groups of students strive to complete their puzzle faster than the other teams. Specifically, the puzzles are typical jigsaw puzzles that contain 1000 pieces. Although this task may prove challenging in itself, another dimension is added to the contest. While working on the puzzles, participants can only speak using a foreign language.

As a result, those who participate should have some basic knowledge about a foreign language in order to most effectively communicate with their teammates.

Anyone, regardless of their foreign language specialty, can take part in the Foreign Language Puzzle Competition. For example, last year, the teams included two Spanish teams, a French team and a Portuguese team. This year, the French Club distributed invitations to the French, Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and English as a Second Language (ESL) professors to spread awareness and encourage these groups to be represented at the event.

At the end of the competition, the winning team will receive AU bookstore gift cards as prizes. In addition, snacks will be available during the evening when the teams have breaks.

This event is beneficial because it provides students with the opportunity to apply their foreign language knowledge and speaking skills in a real-world setting.

“People should partake in this event because it allows more time to practice your foreign language,” French Club President Lindsey Tippett said. “Also, you get to meet others from other classes with the same language goal.”

Students can also have fun while working with their teammates to finish their puzzle.

“Puzzles are a great way to de-stress,” Tippett said.

Tippett, who participated last year, commented on the overall success of the event.

“Everyone was competitive and actually used the language,” Tippett said.

In addition to hosting the Foreign Language Puzzle Competition, the French Club will be involved in the upcoming Green Week on campus.

“France and Europe in general are very green so we thought this was the best way to serve and still keep with our goals as a club that encourages Francophone language and culture,” Tippett said.