Mahidol University

About Mahidol University Pakistan

• The Research Institution for Language and Culture of Asia at Mahidol University is a leading center for interdisciplinary research focused on preserving and advancing linguistic and cultural traditions across Asia. Through collaborative and innovative scholarship, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region's cultural diversity.

  The Institute for Research in Asian Languages and Cultures was established in 1974 as a graduate program under the Graduate School, under the name of the “Southeast Asian Language and Culture Research Center Project.” This was because Mahidol University recognized the necessity of producing scholars with knowledge and understanding in linguistics and methodology, which would be beneficial in creating understanding and relationships with people of different races, ethnicities, customs, traditions, and ways of life. Therefore, it supported the establishment of the Southeast Asian Language and Culture Research Center Project, with Asst. Prof. Dr. Khunying Suriya Ratanakul as the first director. The program opened its doors to the first batch of Master of Arts (Linguistics and Southeast Asian Languages) students in 1976, making it the first master’s degree program to study Southeast Asian languages.

  The operation of the Southeast Asian Language and Culture Research Center Project initially received cooperation and assistance from the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) in the United States, which sent experts in Southeast Asian linguistics to help teach and advise students’ theses continuously. Due to the role and results of the project’s operation, it has gradually progressed until it was upgraded to the Institute for Language and Culture Research for Rural Development on July 29, 1981, which has the same status as a faculty at Mahidol University. In 2009, the name was changed to the “Institute for Language and Culture Research of Asia” to be in line with the institute’s mission, which has expanded its scope of work.

  The Research Institute for Asian Languages and Cultures has been approved to open 6 graduate programs in language and culture, including the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Linguistics, the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Multicultural Studies (International), the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Intercultural Language and Communication, the Master of Arts Program in Linguistics, the Master of Arts Program in Cultural Studies, and the Master of Arts Program in Intercultural Language and Communication.

  Faculty members and researchers of the Institute for Asian Languages and Cultures have conducted numerous studies and produced research works that can be adapted to benefit society as a whole and extend knowledge in research, language studies, culture, and intercultural communication, creating new knowledge for society both nationally and internationally. Knowledge from many research works has been used to further develop the country and drive national policies. The research and projects of the Institute for Asian Languages and Cultures cover the study of the diversity of groups of people in both urban and provincial societies, as well as neighboring countries. In particular, research works that focus on promoting coexistence with respect and dignity for human beings in a multilingual and multicultural society, and studies of marginalized groups and vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children and youth, ethnic groups, migrant workers, and other disadvantaged groups in society.