Mangalore University has set up a study chair in Konkani language. Speaking at the inauguration of the study chair in Mangaluru on Friday, PS Yadapadithaya, Registrar of Mangalore University, said this is the 16th study chair of the university.

Documenting culture He said the study chair in Konkani will take up research in history and development of the language.

It will also study and document the culture and literature in the language.

Steps will be taken to provide online diploma and distance education courses in Konkani language, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, RV Deshpande, Karnataka Minister for Higher Education, said Konkani is spoken by nearly 40 lakh people from various caste and communities.

Stressing the need for more research in Konkani language, he said the study chair should work in this regard. The State government, which had announced ₹2 crore for the study chair in Konkani in the last budget, is ready to give more funds for the development of the language, he said.

He urged the chair to improvise the Konkani dictionary, and to translate the contributions of great writers and poets in other languages to Konkani language.

Nalin Kumar Kateel, Member of Parliament of Dakshina Kannada district, said that people in coastal Karnataka predominantly speak three languages – Kannada, Tulu and Konkani.

Western influence However, the number of people speaking their mother tongue is coming down in some communities, as some people tend to speak English at home.

He congratulated the university for setting up the study chair to boost the growth of the language.

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