NEHU partners with Korean body to develop four-language
dictionary featuring Khasi, Hindi, Korean, English
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 24: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and the Indo-Korean Business Culture Centre (IKBCC) have embarked on an ambitious project to develop a multilingual dictionary featuring Khasi, Hindi, Korean, and English languages within a defined timeframe.
This collaboration marks the first phase of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Tuesday between the two parties. Founder of the Indo-Korean Business Cultural Centre (IKBCC), Zena Chung, announced that for the first time, a four-language multilingual dictionary will be introduced as part of the agreement, covering Khasi, Hindi, English, and Korean.
“We are also planning to introduce a Korean language program at the university through this collaboration, empowering students and enhancing their skills for better career opportunities,” Chung stated.
NEHU Vice Chancellor, Prof PS Shukla, expressed confidence that this partnership would “strengthen ties between India and Korea, offering our students exposure to East Asian culture through cultural exchanges and employment opportunities.”
Both parties have agreed to establish an academic collaboration aimed at promoting intellectual exchanges and creating opportunities for students through international internships, scholarships, and career placements in both India and South Korea.
The Department of Linguistics has been designated as the Nodal Department responsible for introducing various training and certification modules in Korean language and culture for aspiring students at NEHU, Shillong. To this end, both parties agreed to introduce Korean language courses at NEHU, enriching students’ educational experiences and enhancing their career prospects.
The agreement is expected to foster greater educational and cultural ties between NEHU and IKBCC, promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and opportunities for faculty and students to engage in research, academic programmes, cultural exchanges, and employment in Korean companies. It will also encourage the study of East Asian culture and languages among Indian youths, offering alternatives to traditional Western language programmes.
As part of the agreement, Prof Streamlet Dkhar, Head of the Department of Khasi, has been designated as the Academic Coordinator, while Dr Saralin A Lyngdoh, Head of the Department of Linguistics, will serve as the Course Coordinator for future activities and programmes under the collaboration.
Dr Zena Chung visited the Nodal Department following the MoU signing ceremony, where she had detailed discussions with faculty members. The meeting, presided over by Prof Streamlet Dkhar and coordinated by Dr Saralin A Lyngdoh, focused on developing a roadmap for implementing the MoU’s goals.
In addition, the Nodal Department will offer a course in Korean language and culture starting from the next academic session in July 2025, open to all interested students. The MoU will also facilitate the introduction of Khasi and Hindi language programmes at Korean institutions through a faculty exchange programme.
Dr Zena Chung also engaged in a detailed discussion with NEHU students, introducing them to Korean society, culture, and various career opportunities.