Centre for Language and Communication Studies of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a fireside chat on February 25, 2025 in the university campus for the postgraduate students of the Department of English. The topic was Passport to the Mind and World: How Foreign Languages Unlock Cognitive Potential and Global Opportunities.

The guest speaker was Prof. Indranil Dutta, School of Languages and Linguistics of Jadavpur University, Kolkata. Prof. Ashok Mahapatra of the Department of English of SXUK conducted the hour-long discussion.

Prof. Dutta discussed the relevance of language learning in a world where Artificial Intelligence is progressing at a fast pace. He mentioned the cognitive advantages of learning multiple languages. Prof. Mahapatra’s skilful conduction of the discussion threw light on the differences between languages and the ongoing research in the field of language studies.

The event concluded with an interactive session with the students.

Dr. Bidisha Kantha