‘Language binds people and culture’

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 13 2020: The Department of Languages of Milagres College had organised Bhasha Sangam-2020, a one-day multilingual international conference on ‘Multiculturalism in Language and Literature’.

 

 

 

In his inaugural address, Mangalore University Registrar Prof A M Khan said that India is a land of many cultures and languages, but unfortunately, it is forgotten. Languages bind people, regions, community and culture. Literature unites them, he said.

A language influences and connects other languages and it cannot exist on its own. Monoculturalism leads to extremism which leads to depression among people. Open-mindedness is a portal to multiculturalism.

People need to be multicultural in language and thought, he felt.

He encouraged students to read books to improve knowledge.

Maggie Harris, poet and story writer from England, delivered the keynote address. She said, “Every individual has his own cultural identity irrespective of the land they belong to. Migration of people has had a great impact on shaping their identities.”

Rev Fr Joseph Lobo, correspondent, Rev Fr Michael L Santhumayor, principal and others were present.

The inaugural ceremony was followed by two technical sessions in the respective languages namely English, Hindi, Kannada and Konkani.