SU faculty wins Best Paper at int’l Emerging Scholars Forum

Silliman University’s Dr. Jean Cuanan-Nalam took top honors at the Emerging Scholars Forum during the four-day Annual Hymn Conference of The Hymn Society of the United States and Canada, winning Best Paper for her research on hymn translation presented on July 14, 2025, at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Nalam, coordinator of the Liturgy and Music Program at the Silliman University Divinity School (SUDS) and director of UGKAT, was one of only three finalists selected for the Forum.

Dr. Jean Cuanan-Nalam is seen presenting in a pre-recorded video played during the Emerging Scholars Forum at the Schaver Music Recital Hall.

Her paper, “Problems in Translating an English Hymn into Cebuano,” was named best paper and will be published in the Winter Issue of The Hymn: A Journal for Congregational Song. Due to financial limitations, her presentation was delivered via pre-recorded video on July 14 at the Schaver Music Recital Hall, the venue of the Emerging Scholars Forum.

Nalam’s work drew attention for its in-depth analysis of the linguistic and musical challenges in hymn translation, using the hymn “Come, Thou Almighty King” and its Cebuano counterpart “Tabangi na Kami” as a case study.

Dr. Nalam’s research highlighted the complexities posed by Cebuano’s polysyllabic structure compared to English’s monosyllabic form, particularly in preserving theological meaning and musical rhythm. The study called for rhythm-sensitive translation methods to maintain both the semantic and musical integrity of hymns.

Her contribution stood out among participants who included hymnwriters, worship leaders, composers, church musicians, and liturgists from across the United States and Canada.

The Annual Hymn Conference, held from July 13 to 16, 2025, featured a diverse array of activities, including organ recitals, plenary talks, sectionals, morning devotions, and hymn festivals.