On the occasion of Nitra University Days, a creative workshop titled Ink Outside the Box was held on April 30, 2025, at the Department of English Language
and Culture, Faculty of Education, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (PF UKF). Under the guidance of literary scholar and translation expert Assoc. Prof. Monika Šavelová, PhD., from the Department of Translation Studies
at the Faculty of Arts, participants had a unique opportunity to delve into the world of unconventional and often overlooked literary genres. The workshop opened
the door to exploring new forms of artistic expression and sparked interest
in language as a tool for creative reflection.
Unconventional literary forms that incorporate alternative structures and visual elements hold significant potential for fostering creativity and encouraging innovative thinking. At the beginning of the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Šavelová introduced various genres, highlighted their unique characteristics, and initiated
a discussion on their (un)translatability into other languages. She then guided participants through the process of creating their own original texts, giving them the chance to experiment with different forms — from visual poetry, including calligrams and acrostics, to compositions inspired by Dadaism.
The exceptional and original poems produced during the workshop will be published in EnJoY, the university’s student journal, which serves as a platform for presenting student-authored texts, creative works, and research findings.
The organizers from the Department of English Language and Culture believe that such initiatives significantly contribute to the development of critical thinking, stimulate creative potential, and inspire students in their academic and personal growth.
Text: Mgr. Lenka Michelčíková, PhD., FE – Department of English Language
and Culture
Photo: Mgr. Beáta Ďuračková, PhD., FE – Department of English Language
and Culture