The Centre for Naga Tribal Language Studies (CNTLS), in collaboration with the Department of English at Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, organized a special lecture delivered by Dr. William Westerman on May 21

The lecture, titled “Decolonising Folklore Research: An Introduction,” was a significant event highlighting contemporary approaches in folklore studies, informed a press release by the PRO, Nagaland University.

Dr. Westerman is a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar for 2024 and Associate Professor at New Jersey City University, USA.

Dr. Westerman’s lecture focused on the imperative to decolonize folklore research methodologies and emphasized the importance of recognizing indigenous perspectives and narratives within academic discourse. His insights provided valuable perspectives on how folklore research can move beyond colonial frameworks to embrace more inclusive and authentic representations of indigenous cultures.

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Prof. Nigamanand Das, Head of the Department of English, said the event was well-attended by faculty members, officers, and students who engaged positively with the program. The lecture stimulated thoughtful discussions and reflections on the ways in which academia can contribute to the broader decolonization movement, he added.

This event marks a significant collaboration between the Centre for Naga Tribal Language Studies and the Department of English, aiming to foster academic growth and cultural understanding within Nagaland University.