NEWS
International Conference Transcending Cultural Boundaries Studies of Foreign Languages, Literature and Culture in India On 8th and 9th March, 2018
Department of Foreign Languages, Gauhati University
In collaboration with
Institute of South Asian Studies, Russian State University for Humanities, Moscow, Russia
organized
on
On 8th and 9th March, 2018
the International Conference
“Transcending Cultural Boundaries
Studies of Foreign Languages, Literature and Culture in India”
to commemorate
50 years of Teaching of Foreign Languages, Literature and Culture in the North-East India
and
70 years of Diplomatic Relations between India and Russia
Organizers:
India: Prof. Kandarpa Das, Head, Department of Foreign Languages, Gauhati University,
& Conference Director
Russia:
Prof Alexander Stolyarov, Director of the International Centre for South Asian studies, Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH)
Dr Indira Gazieva, Deputy Director
About the Department of Foreign Languages
Throughout history, cultural forms and ideas moved across borders. In a media rich world today, it perhaps moves more than ever. The study of Language, literature and culture of another nation with a cross cultural perspective emphasizes the importance of cultural literacy and sensitivity to cultural difference both within individual societies and in the global context.
The teaching of Foreign Languages, Literature and Culture in the North-East India had a humble beginning with the establishment of the Department of Foreign Languages in Gauhati University in 1968 by introducing a Certificate course in Russian Language. During the journey of last 50 years, the Department could not only successfully transform itself into a premier centre for teaching-learning of Foreign Languages, Literature and Culture but also became a destination of many scholars wishing to pursue interdisciplinary research in language, literature and culture. Today, the Department of Foreign Languages, Gauhati University offers MA in European Studies (with specialization in French and Russian Studies) and M.Phil/PhD programme in Comparative literature and Culture studies apart from its Certificate and Diploma programmes in Foreign Languages. Today, foreign Languages are also taught in English and Foreign Languages University, North-East campus, Shillong, Tezpur University, Assam University and Cotton University, Assam.
About Indo-Russian contact
The history of Indo-Russian contact goes back to remote antiquity. References about India in Russian legends and fables are found as early as in 12th – 13th centuries. Similarly Russia found place in Indian works from 12th century onwards. The Story of India - the Rich belonging to 12th – 13th centuries and Voyage Beyond Three Seas by the Russian traveller Afanasy Nikitin (1471 – 1474) are glaring examples of this tradition. The father of Russian Indology, eminent musician and dramatist Gerasim Stepanovich Lebedev came to India in 1785 and spent almost 12 years (1785 – 1797) in Bengal. In 1851, Moscow State University established a Chair for Oriental Languages. Another Chair of Sanskrit was established at Saint Peterburg University in 1855. The friendship and contact between the two countries continued even after the Russian Revolution in 1917. The Russian revolution immensely influenced India’s freedom movement, with many freedom fighters drawing inspiration from it. After India attained its independence, the Soviet Union was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with it. Over the years, the friendship between the two countries continued and became stronger and stronger. Friendship between the two countries continued in the form of Friendship Treaty, technological collaboration, preferential trade and numerous social and cultural exchanges. The history of relations between the two countries is the history of mutual understanding, trust and strong bonding not only between the governments but also between the two people.
It is in this context, the Department of Foreign Languages, Gauhati University decided to dedicate the International Conference to completion of the 70 years of Diplomatic relations and 50 years of teaching of Russian languages in the north-east India.
Conference Theme:
“Transcending Cultural Boundaries: Studies of Foreign Languages, Literature and Culture in India”
The papers may cover the sub-themes as listed below:-
1) Culture
* Social History and cultural affinities
* Ethnicity and Identity
*Influence of Russian art, theatre, cinema and other cultural trends on regional /global areas.
*Mass culture and media
*Travel, Tourism and domestic relations.
2) Language
*Innovation in teaching – learning process. (Russian, French and other European languages)
*Indicators of development in language patterns to enhance relationship between India and European countries.
* Influences of Russian and French languages in India.
* Development and parallels in linguistic analysis.
3) Literature
* Text and Context
* Social –Cultural influences on literature.
* Comparative studies in literature.
* Parallels in literary trends.
* Travel-writing /travelogues regarding Russia, India and other European countries.
4) Translation
* Problems of translation in cross-cultural relations between Russia, India and East European Countries.
* Literary influences in translation.
* Translations of Indian Literature to Russian /European languages and vice versa.
* History of Translation.
Miscellaneous
*Political role in Cultural exchange in nations.
* The role of the Internet in building global ties.
* India’s participation in Global Economy.
Venue of the Conference: Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam
Important dates:
Last date for submission of abstracts: 31st January, 2018
Notification of acceptance: Immediately after submission
Last date for submission of full paper: 28th February, 2018
Last date of registration: 1st February, 2018
Language of the Conference: English, Russian, French and Assamese.
Registration fees: Rs. 1000/- (Indian delegate); USD 50 (foreign delegate)
Prof. Kandarpa Das
Head, Department of Foreign Languages, Gauhati University
& Conference Director
Tel: 9435043124 whatsApp: 9435043124
E-mail: goldenjubileefl@gmail.com
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