Nagaland University starts MA in language and culture to preserve, promote linguistic, cultural heritage

Nagaland University has introduced a Master of Arts (MA) programme in language and culture. The interdisciplinary degree aims to preserve and promote the linguistic and cultural heritage of the North-Eastern state. The first batch of the new course comprising 20 students will start classes from August 5. The Centre for Naga Tribal Language Studies is offering the course.

Being interdisciplinary, in line with the National Education Policy ( NEP ), the postgraduate programme will allow students to study courses from different areas of study.

The university informed that students who graduate from the MA programme would be eligible to appear for the National Eligibility Test ( NET ) exam in three papers – linguistics, folk literature, and tribal and regional language.

In terms of career opportunities, the MA programme will equip students in a wide range of career paths including teaching, digital archiving, consultancy, development sector professionals, language planning and policy analysts.

First-of-its-kind MA degree

Speaking about this new programme, Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, vice-chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “It gives me immense pleasure to announce the launch of the Master of Arts programme in Language and Culture by the Centre for Naga Tribal Language Studies, Nagaland University. This marks a historic milestone as the first interdisciplinary master’s degree of its kind introduced by our university. The programme is a timely and significant initiative aimed at preserving, promoting, and advancing the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Naga people. It reflects Nagaland University’s continued commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and the advancement of indigenous knowledge systems.”

Further, Yanbeni Yanthan, assistant professor, centre for Naga tribal language studies, said, “The course aims to remain relevant to meet the growing challenges of the 21st century especially in terms of social impact, contribution to policy making at the grass root level and tackling sensitive issues such as cultural heritage, language revitalisation, language policy as well as tackling poetics and practices of lesser studied indigenous cultures.”