HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, June 5: Tezpur University organised a talk on ‘Languages without Borders’ successfully. The department of Linguistics and Language Technology (LLT) hosted the event, titled ‘Languages without Borders: Distinguishing Linguistic Systems in the Bhili Dialect Continuum’, on Wednesday.
Prof A Deo and Prof D Beaver, noted linguists from the department of Linguistics at the University of Texas, Austin, USA, graced the occasion and delivered lectures. Speaking on the occasion, Prof D Beaver emphasised the instrumental role of language in establishing modern nations, serving as a fundamental tool for communication and cultural identity. Therefore, documenting, learning, and preserving languages is crucial. “Languages can provide enlightenment, educate generations, and give political identity,” Prof Beaver stated.
Related Posts:
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, vice chancellor, highlighted that India’s north-east region is the linguistically most diverse and culturally vibrant area in the country. However, some languages are facing threats and are endangered. Prof Singh urged the department not only to study these languages for academic purposes but also to help preserve their linguistic, cultural, and ecological heritage.
Another noted linguist, Prof Deo, gave a detailed presentation on the topic and explained various nuances related to language and dialect. She mentioned that sometimes the political context defines the boundaries of language or a dialect. She also discussed colonial mapping efforts of languages in India. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Farheena Danta, dean, School of Humanities & Social Sciences, highlighted how the talk challenges the idea of languages as fixed entities and highlights how languages change across geographic space, influencing each other.
Earlier, inaugurating the event, Prof Gautam K Borah explained why language is the most valuable single possession of the human race.
