Tezpur, 6 March 2025: The Department of Foreign Languages at Tezpur University commenced a two-day National Seminar titled “Lingua Di Genere: Perspectives on Gender in Foreign Language Studies” today (6 March 2025).
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Usha Chandran from the Centre for Chinese & Southeast Asian Studies, School of Language, Literature, and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Her presentation, titled “Gender in Language and Expression with Chinese Language as a Point of Departure,” provided a thought-provoking analysis of how gender is embedded in linguistic structures and expressions.
Another highlight of the seminar was a lecture by Dr. Rounak Mahtab from the Department of Foreign Languages, Gauhati University. Dr. Mahtab’s talk on “Teaching Languages from the Perspective of Gender” offered valuable insights into pedagogical strategies that incorporate gender sensitivity in language education.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. R R Hoque, Dean of Academic Affairs, Tezpur University, who emphasized the importance of integrating gender perspectives into language studies to foster inclusivity and deeper understanding. The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. Chandan Kumar Sharma, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, who highlighted the relevance of gender-sensitive approaches in academia.
Dr. Hemjyoti Medhi, Head of the Department of Foreign Languages, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the seminar by underlining the need to examine language as a medium that shapes and reflects gender identities.
A contingent of the Indian Army was also present on the occasion. It is worth mentioning that Tezpur University is offering a basic Chinese course for the Indian Army. The team was led by Major Luv Rao of the Indian Army.
