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GLOBAL MEDIA JOURNAL — Indian Edition
Sponsored by the University of Calcutta
ISSN 2249 – 5835

WINTER ISSUE/ DECEMBER 2012
Volume: 3 / Number: 2
Research Interests:
Identity construction, particularly in multilingual and multicultural cities like Kuala Lumpur, is a pivotal aspect of social dynamics. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in this construction can elucidate or predict... more
Identity construction, particularly in multilingual and multicultural cities like Kuala Lumpur, is a pivotal aspect of social dynamics. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in this construction can elucidate or predict various outcomes, including the potential for subsequent social distancing or successful communication with individuals from different backgrounds. These outcomes, in turn, serve as predictors of either conflict or harmony among citizens. This study explores the construction of identity, based on linguistic-ethnic backgrounds, shedding light on the interplay of social distance, inter-ethnic dynamics, and the formation of stereotypes, as reported by a section of the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur. This research draws from an interview-based survey conducted within the Indian community, exploring interactions and perceptions of the three principal linguistic-ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, and Indian.
Lectures as a Resource Person  on ‘Gender and Language’ delivered at the Faculty Development programme at the Bhavanipur Education Society College October - November 2018
In India, Hindi and English enjoy the status of official languages. Both these languages enjoy social prestige and functional importance all over India. Kolkata, one of the major cities of India and the capital of the state of West... more
In India, Hindi and English enjoy the status of official languages. Both these languages enjoy social prestige and functional importance all over India. Kolkata, one of the major cities of India and the capital of the state of West Bengal, represents that part of India which is diverse, multilingual, where Hindi is not a language spoken by the majority and where both Hindi and English possess some degree of prestige due to their official status as well as for various other social, cultural and functional reasons. In addition to these two, Bengali which is the majority language in the state and also the state official language has its due prestige in the city. Needless to say, a large section of long term Kolkata residents are not Bengali and are from diverse linguistic background. The paper seeks to analyse the attitude of this section of Kolkata residents towards Hindi and English as two major languages. The paper is based on the responses of 495 permanent residents of Kolkata, whose native language is not Bengali – the locally dominant language. Through a structured questionnaire their responses on various issues relating to the relevance of the two languages, i.e. Hindi and English, is collected and analysed and reported in the paper.
Research Interests: