FIB USU PR - On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the English Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, University of North Sumatra (FIB USU), held a guest lecture entitled "Should Language Be Planned." This event was held online via Zoom and featured two international speakers: Dr. Gaury Kopardekar (University of India) and Prof. Gaybullo Kulmuradovich (University of Uzbekistan).
This guest lecture is part of the academic enrichment program routinely conducted by the English Study Program, FIB USU, to broaden students' understanding of global linguistic issues. The theme "Should Language Be Planned" was chosen to provide a critical understanding of language planning, language policy, and their implications for identity, education, and multilingual communities in various countries.
In the presentation, Dr. Gaury Kopardekar explained the basic concept of language planning and its urgency in the context of countries with high linguistic diversity. He outlined how language policy can influence education systems, language use in public spaces, and the preservation of minority languages. Using the case of India as an example, Dr. Gaury Kopardekar emphasized the importance of balance between national, official, and regional languages in maintaining social harmony.
Meanwhile, Prof. Gaybullo Kulmuradovich presented Uzbekistan's experience in designing and implementing post-independence language policies. He highlighted the dynamics of language shifts, the government's role in language standardization, and the challenges of globalization to the sustainability of national languages. This presentation provided a comparative perspective that enriched participants' understanding of language planning practices in various parts of the world.
The guest lecture was interactive, marked by a discussion and question-and-answer session, which was enthusiastically participated in by the participants. Students actively asked questions related to the implementation of language planning in Indonesia and its relevance to the development of English as a global language.
The Head of the English Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, USU, stated that this activity was expected to encourage students to think critically and analytically about contemporary linguistic issues. The presence of international speakers also served as an important tool for expanding academic networks and enriching the scientific perspectives of students and lecturers.
The guest lecture, "Should Language Be Planned," was attended by English Language Study Program students, lecturers, and participants from various backgrounds interested in linguistics and language policy. Through this activity, the English Language Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, University of North Sumatra (USU), hopes to continuously improve the quality of learning and strengthen students' understanding of language dynamics in a global context.