Kohima, 22 May (MTNews): The Centre for Naga Tribal Language Studies (CNTLS), in collaboration with the Department of English at Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, organized a special lecture delivered by Dr William Westerman, a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar for 2024 and Associate Professor at New Jersey City University, USA. The lecture, titled “Decolonizing Folklore Research: An Introduction,” was a significant event highlighting contemporary approaches in folklore studies. The lecture was held on 21 May 2024.
Dr Westerman’s lecture focused on the imperative to decolonize folklore research methodologies and emphasized the importance of recognizing indigenous perspectives and narratives within academic discourse. His insights provided valuable perspectives on how folklore research can move beyond colonial frameworks to embrace more inclusive and authentic representations of indigenous cultures.
Prof. Nigamanand Das, Head of the Department of English, noted that the event was well-attended by faculty members, officers, and students who engaged positively with the program. The lecture stimulated thoughtful discussions and reflections on how academia can contribute to the broader decolonization movement, he added.
This event marks a significant collaboration between the Centre for Naga Tribal Language Studies and the Department of English, aiming to foster academic growth and cultural understanding within Nagaland University.