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Oxford English-Assamese dictionary launched

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 14 - The Oxford Compact English-English Assamese Dictionary, the first such work published by Oxford University Press (OUP), a department of the University of Oxford, was formally launched at a function at Vivekananda Kendra auditorium this evening.

The release function was followed by a panel discussion on the subject �Bilingual Learning Materials - An Effective Medium to Develop English Proficiency Skills� featuring journalist and linguist DN Bezboruah; litterateur and former DGP, Assam, Harekrishna Deka; Dr Dayananda Borgohain, Chairman, Assam Higher Secondary Education Council; Dr Jyotiprakash Tamuli, HoD, Department of Linguistics, Gauhati University and Mousumi Handique.

Dr Tamuly and Handique compiled and edited the dictionary.

Bezboruah, in his speech, stressed the fact that the dictionary fulfilled a long-felt gap and would go a long way in empowering young learners. �In all urban societies, there is a growing compulsion to be bi-lingual and possibly even multi-lingual, and for being bi-lingual, English is the obvious choice. This trend to become multi-lingual should be encouraged. We often tend to ignore the reality that a dictionary is a fundamental tool to learn a language and this dictionary with its thrust on varied aspects that a learner needs to know, will be of immense help to them,� he said.

Dr Tamuly said that dictionaries testify to the vitality and heritage of communities, and that the dictionary would help empower young learners.

Dr Borgohain stressed the need for correct guidance while learning a foreign language and felt that the dictionary would precisely serve that purpose.

Mousumi Handique gave a power-point presentation covering various aspects of the dictionary.

Harekrishna Deka said that the dictionary would provide the learners a vital clue for learning the English language.

Paras Bansal, Business Head - Higher Education, Trade and Professional Learning, OUP India, said that with the dictionary, OUP has launched a customized solution for the Assam market. �The development of the pedagogically advanced English-English Assamese Dictionary is a significant milestone for OUP�s professional learning programme. It gives us extended reach into the vital Assamese market which has a large young population desirous of improving their proficiency in the English language, for both personal and professional development,� he said.

The Oxford Compact English-English Assamese Dictionary is a notable addition to OUP�s 23 existing bilingual dictionaries in Indian languages.

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