The Department of Languages has been an integral part of CHRIST (Deemed to be University) since the establishment of the erstwhile Christ College in 1969. Over the decades, it has evolved into a vibrant centre for multilingual education, offering Indian and Foreign languages while fostering linguistic proficiency, literary appreciation, cultural understanding, and intercultural dialogue.
The Department currently offers Kannada, Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, French, German, Spanish, and Korean, providing students with opportunities to develop communication skills alongside an appreciation of diverse literary and cultural traditions. Through innovative teaching, experiential learning, and academic engagement, the Department prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
More About Us
The Department of Languages has been an integral part of CHRIST (Deemed to be University) since the establishment of the erstwhile Christ College in 1969. Over the decades, it has evolved into a vibrant centre for multilingual education, offering Indian and Foreign languages while fostering linguistic proficiency, literary appreciation, cultural understanding, and intercultural dialogue.
The Department currently offers Kannada, Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, French, German, Spanish, and Korean, providing students with opportunities to develop communication skills alongside an appreciation of diverse literary and cultural traditions. Through innovative teaching, experiential learning, and academic engagement, the Department prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
More About Us
The Department views language learning as an exploration of literature, culture, identity, and society rather than merely the acquisition of linguistic skills. Its curriculum integrates literature with theatre, music, cinema, folklore, translation, and other creative practices, making language learning both meaningful and engaging.
Beyond the classroom, the Department offers students a rich ecosystem for literary and cultural activities through Bhasha Parishath, Kannada Sangha, CHUP – Club of Hindi and Urdu Poets, multilingual festivals, theatre productions, guest lectures, workshops, competitions, and community outreach programmes.
The Department also promotes international collaborations, language certifications, interdisciplinary initiatives, and experiential learning opportunities that enhance students' academic, cultural, and professional growth. Rooted in India's rich linguistic heritage while embracing global perspectives, it strives to nurture multilingual, culturally aware, and socially responsible citizens.
Languages Offered
Indian Languages
Kannada
Hindi
Sanskrit
Tamil
Foreign Languages
French
German
Spanish
Korean
Signature Events
Bhasha Utsav – Celebration of India's linguistic and cultural diversity
Yakshagana
Ranga Saurabha - Kannada Theatre Productions
Kavidina
Abhivyakti: Multilingual Poets' Meet
Sham-e-Ghazal
Jashn-e-Mushaiyra :
Indigenous Language Celebration
Festum Lingua
International Mother Tongue Day
World Sanskrit Day
Language & Cultural Competitions
Film Screenings, Workshops & Guest Lectures
VisionTo excel in language education that fosters multilingual competence, cultural understanding, and global citizenship.
MissionTo nurture linguistic proficiency, literary appreciation, and cultural understanding through innovative pedagogy, experiential learning, interdisciplinary engagement, and technology-enabled education.
India is rich with different cultures, literatures and linguistic expressions and this diversity is the most unique feature of our great nation. It is through the development of strong sense and knowledge of their own cultural history, arts, languages, and traditions that students can build a positive cultural identity and self- esteem. Unfortunately Indian languages have not received t
India is rich with different cultures, literatures and linguistic expressions and this diversity is the most unique feature of our great nation. It is through the development of strong sense and knowledge of their own cultural history, arts, languages, and traditions that students can build a positive cultural identity and self- esteem. Unfortunately Indian languages have not received their due attention and care with the country losing over 220 languages in the past 50 years. The NEP 2020 recommends for the need of more higher education institutions that offer programmes using mother tongues as medium of instruction in order to is promote the strength, usage, and vibrancy of all Indian languages. Strengthening the departments and programmes in Indian languages, comparative literature and creative writing is the need of the hour.
All the languages have their own beauty and vibrancy. While the Indian languages are presented in their historical and cultural form, the foreign languages provide all the cross cultural nuances to students on the threshold of geographical and professional mobility. In order to redefine the role of second language in the curriculum of HE, the Department of Languages has moved from just the study of ‘second language’ to the study of language, literature and culture. The curriculum includes art forms like music, theatre, painting, sculpture and films to introduce the students to the five decade old Indian civilization and culture and to offer them an aesthetic experience.
Students are encouraged to share their cultural knowledge imbibed from their family through Bhasha Parishat or Centre for Culture to see the glorious tradition of Indian heterogeneous culture with a diachronic and synchronic approach. The Wikipedia project undertaken by the Indian language students in association with the Centre for Internet and Society for the digitalization of literary texts is the largest platform in Asia. Bhasha Utsav and Ethnic Day, the major festival of the department brings the entire University together as one family. The Kannada Sangha, Publication wing of the Department of Kannada, renowned all over the country, has to date 253 publications to its credit.
From a department, complacent in offering second languages, the department has come a long way. With the flexibility afforded by the autonomy status to the institution in 2005, the department resorted to a revamping of the syllabus with an annual review of the same and a complete change over, once in three years. The shift to language, literature and culture has brought the desired impact, creating an awareness through talks and panel discussions. While Yakshagana and Bhasha Utsav & Ethnic Day, introduced since 2006 have been ideal platforms to showcase the folk arts and connect the youth to their roots, culture and tradition; the language competitions have offered the perfect space to encourage literary and artistic skills.
In response to the demands of a University to create and disseminate knowledge, the faculty have made significant contributions in peer reviewed journals, including a major research project and three monographs. It has also initiated collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, quality publications, consultation services and international collaborations.
