Nagaland University’s Department of Linguistics, in collaboration with CIIL, Mysore, is organizing a two-day national conference on “India as a Linguistic Area: Special Reference to Northeastern Languages.” The conference aims to explore linguistic diversity and shared features of Indian languages, with a focus on the Northeast.
The inaugural program on February 13, 2025, was chaired by Dr Arenkala Ao, with a welcome note from Prof Pangersenla Walling, Head of the Department. Prof Walling emphasized India’s shared linguistic features despite its division into six language families. Prof GT Thong, Pro Vice-Chancellor, highlighted India’s multilingualism as a result of migration and cultural exchanges, while Prof Shailendra Mohan, Director, CIIL, Mysore, stressed the need for further research and documentation of Indian languages.
Meiraba Takhellambam, Assistant Professor, Manipur University, discussed language endangerment in Sikkim, noting how smaller languages are often grouped under Nepali, leading to their underrepresentation. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Waikhom Pinky Devi.
The conference will continue discussions on preserving linguistic diversity and promoting further research on Indian languages.