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Jamia Millia Islamia Hosts National Seminar on Translation and Cultural Mediation

Jamia Millia Islamia organized a national young researchers' seminar on translation, cultural mediation, and language politics. The event brought together over 48 scholars from institutions like JNU, DU, and Panjab University. Experts emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and multilingual approaches in a globalized world. The seminar featured parallel sessions on topics ranging from cultural diplomacy to media and popular culture.

Key Points: Jamia Seminar on Translation & Cultural Mediation

  • Over 48 young researchers from top Indian universities participated
  • Key themes included translation, cultural mediation, and language politics
  • Experts discussed pluralism and foreign language pedagogy
  • Parallel sessions covered cultural diplomacy, literature, and media
2 min read

Jamia Millia Islamia hosts national seminar on translation, cultural mediation​

Jamia Millia Islamia hosts a national young researchers' seminar on translation, cultural mediation, and language politics, with over 48 scholars from top Indian universities.

"No platform is more enriching than engaging with young researchers and learning from them. - Anisur Rahman"

New Delhi, May 8

Translation studies, cultural mediation and language politics topped the agenda at a National Young Researchers' Seminar organised by the Department of Foreign Languages, Jamia Millia Islamia, an official said on Friday.​

Held at the India-Arab Cultural Centre (IACC), the seminar brought together over 48 young researchers from various prestigious institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, the University of Delhi, Panjab University, Amity University, SRM University, and others, to deliberate on a wide range of themes.​

The topics of discussion included translation studies, cultural mediation, language politics, intercultural communication, literature, and global cultural exchange, said a statement issued by JMI Chief Public Relations Officer Professor Saima Saeed.​

The inaugural session featured a welcome address by Professor Md. Faizullah Khan, Head of the Department of Foreign Languages.​

Khan emphasised students' perspectives on cross-cultural communication in the globalised and digitalised world.​

The session was attended by Anisur Rahman, a former professor from the Department of English, JMI, as the Chief Guest.​

In his inaugural address, Rahman noted that "no platform is more enriching than engaging with young researchers and learning from them," while also underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary research and a multilingual approach.​

Guest of Honour Professor Kiran Chaudhry highlighted the relevance and timeliness of the seminar's theme, noting the growing frequency of cultural encounters in today's world and the urgent need to reflect on pluralism.​

She discussed the transition in foreign language teaching from a "monocultural" to a "pluralistic" approach, sharing valuable insights into contemporary foreign language pedagogy.​

In her keynote address, Professor Sonya Surabhi Gupta (Retd.), Department of Foreign Languages, Jamia Millia Islamia, remarked that identity has a lexical foundation, namely, language.​

She elaborated on the nexus between language and power and emphasised the role of foreign languages "in defence of cultural humanism".​

She also identified the 1970s as a turning point for the indigenisation of foreign languages in India.​

Professor Simi Malhotra, Department of English, Jamia Millia Islamia, delivered the Chair's remarks, highlighting the significance of organising a seminar on such a pertinent theme and emphasising that cultural understanding is the need of the hour.​

The seminar included multiple parallel technical sessions covering interdisciplinary themes such as Translation, Language & Cultural Mediation; Society, History & Interdisciplinary Perspectives; Cultural Diplomacy & International Relations; Literature, Identity & Self-Other; Language, Education & Politics and Media, Popular Culture & Representation, said the statement.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally, a conversation about language politics and cultural mediation! These are topics that affect every Indian, whether we realize it or not. I appreciate that they're bringing young researchers into the fold. But I wish there was more focus on India's indigenous languages alongside foreign ones.
V
Vikram M
As an alumnus of JMI, this makes me happy. The department of foreign languages has always been a gem. Translation isn't just about words—it's about building bridges between cultures. The fact that 48 young researchers participated shows the growing interest in this field. 🙌
J
James A
Wish I could have attended this seminar! Cultural mediation is such an underexplored field. The point about moving from monocultural to pluralistic language teaching is spot on—we need to prepare students for a world where cultures constantly interact. Great work, JMI!
R
Rohit P
Language and power indeed have a deep nexus—just look at how English dominates our education system while regional languages struggle for space. Professor Gupta's observation about the 1970s being a turning point for indigenisation is fascinating. Would love to read more about that era's impact on foreign language teaching in India.
S
Sarah B
As a researcher working on cross-cultural communication, I find this seminar's themes incredibly relevant. The sessions on Cultural Diplomacy & International Relations and Literature, Identity & Self-Other show a comprehensive approach. Well-curated! 🇮🇳

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