CIIL workshop focuses on documentation of Indian Knowledge Systems terminology
A two-day workshop on âFraming Strategies for Documentation of Indian Knowledge Systemsâ Terminology across Indian Languagesâ began at the Central Institute of Indian Languages here
A two-day workshop on âFraming Strategies for Documentation of Indian Knowledge Systemsâ Terminology across Indian Languagesâ began at the Central Institute of Indian Languages here on Thursday. Organised by Bharatavani, CIIL, the workshop aims to develop a systematic framework for collecting, documenting, organising and presenting terminology associated with Indian knowledge systems across Indian languages. In his inaugural address, CIIL Director Basavaraja Kodagunti highlighted the close relationship between language, technical terminology and the evolution of knowledge disciplines. He said technical terms created, borrowed or coined in different languages offer insights into the development of knowledge and help understand various knowledge disciplines through Indian languages.
He noted that traditional knowledge in areas such as agriculture and medicine exists in several Indian languages, while communities and languages across the country possess specialised knowledge relating to ecology, environment and coastal life. Given the vastness of these traditions, he suggested beginning the documentation initiative with classical languages before extending the methodology to other Indian languages. Kodagunti also stressed the need to identify appropriate time periods, disciplines, texts and sources for documentation. Knowledge texts and commentaries may contain new terminology, meanings and explanations, while changes in terminology across periods and the conceptual development of disciplines also need to be examined.
The proposed framework will take into account technical terms, concepts and theories shared across Indian languages. The work will involve collecting and describing technical terms and making them available through an online portal. Experts have been invited to contribute suggestions on the framework, methodology and structure. Earlier, L.R. Prem Kumar, Lecturer-cum-Junior Research Officer, CIIL, and coordinator of the workshop, welcomed the experts, scholars and participants. He outlined the objectives and stressed the need to bring together terminology from different sources and Indian languages, organise it and make it accessible for wider use, study and dissemination.
The deliberations will cover the domains to be documented, types of terminology, time periods and appropriate sources, including classical texts and scholarly works. The workshop will also focus on authenticity, consistency and collaboration among institutions, subject experts and researchers. Scholars and experts participating in the discussions include J. Sreenivasa Murthy, R.V.S. Sundaram, Prakash Chandra Pattnaik, T.S. Satyanath, Sreesylam Unnikrishnan, B.V. Rajaram, M.A. Alwar and Bhav Sharma.
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