Presentation slides

Culture is not an independent variable. Historical factors, political developments, geographical and climatic conditions along with economic policies followed do contribute to a larger extent in fixing the contours of a country’s culture. Institutional modifications also sway the stability of national culture. Cultural transmission takes place in diverse ways. It is not unidirectional and unilateral. Through the participation of large number of people it occurs through dialogue, discussion and conversation in one language or more languages. Conditions and results that ensue depend on linguistic patterns prevalent in a country. Language impacts thoughts. Thoughts control expression. Clarity in expression and impressive vocabulary immensely enable one in interpersonal communication. Knowledge of more languages broadens one’s horizon of awareness offering multiple options in selecting mode of communication -- verbal and non-verbal. Awareness, knowledge and communication skills assume significance in intercultural relationships. Contact with other languages and communities, migrations, trade and business links, colonisation, administrative and academic requirements generally result in free flow of words from one language into other languages. Wars, catastrophes natural and man-made, besides periods of trauma and pandemics do have significant impact on languages and cultures of people. Linguistic anthropology is an emerging and interesting area of anthropology. Cultural anthropology too is equally evolving and motivating aspect of ethnographic studies. Shifts in traditional approach to anthropological studies deserve encouragement. Just as hybrid varieties in agriculture acquire vitality, longevity and ability to sustain them through self-generated immunity to withstand onslaught of pests and vagaries of nature, absorption of diverse linguistic and cultural aspects is essential for revival and sustenance of every community. More so after periods of trauma and catastrophes. This panel invites papers on linguistic and cultural aspects that revitalize communities in post-pandemic and post-colonial contexts. Key Words: Cultures, Languages, Trauma, Contact, Revival.