Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) carried out The International Congress of Indonesian Linguistic Society (KIMLI) 2021 with themed “Nation’s Multiculturalism Knitting Archipelago Language.” It was held virtually through the Zoom Meeting application, starting at 09.00 WITA, on Wednesday (18/08).
The International Congress of the Indonesian Linguistic Society (KIMLI) has been conducted by the Indonesian Linguistic Society (MLI) every two years since 1975. KIMLI engaged many linguists from various institutions in Indonesia. The event aims to improve scientific research in language, both in theoretical and applied study of related fields.
The head committee of KIMLI 2020, Dr. Ikhwan M. Said, M.Hum., stated that Unhas is trusted to hold this year’s KIMLI event. The event was supposed to be conducted last year in 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the event has to be postponed to 2021.
The head of the MLI board, Dr. Luh Anik Mayani, explained that the current situation of the Pandemic had changed the conventional implementation of the annual congress (KIMLI). This is the first time we conducted the congress virtually.
“This indicates that KIMLI has grown dynamically and adjusted to the actual challenges and opportunities on digitalization era during the Covid-19 Pandemic.” Explained Dr. Luh Anik.
Furthermore, Dr. Luh Anik hopes that KIMLI 2021 can upgrade linguistic field research and promote Indonesia through language study. Dr. Luh also hopes that KIMLI makes language a nation’s power for Indonesia, with 46 different local languages.
The KIMLI 2021 was officially opened by Prof. dr. Nasrum Massi, Ph.D., the Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Partnerships. In his speech, Prof. Nasrum expressed his gratitude for the respect and trust in Unhas as the host of KIMLI 2021. The last time Unhas hosting the congress was in 1988 or 30 years ago.
Prof. Nasrum added that KIMLI is a forum for experts related to linguistic issues. Language is an essential element in the nation’s life because it has become an adhesive factor in a multicultural society. He hopes that KIMLI 2021 can run smoothly according to the designated schedule.
This highest forum for and linguists invites a variety of speakers, both domestic and international, namely:
- Gufran Ali Ibrahim (Universitas Khairun),
- Abdul Hakim Yassi (Universitas Hasanuddin),
- Muhammad Darwis (Universitas Hasanuddin),
- James T Collins (University Kebangsaan Malaysia),
- Antonia Soriente (University of Naples L’Orientale),
- Aone van Engelenhoven (Leiden University Center for Linguistics), and
- Karl Anderbeck (Summer Institut of Linguistics).
This online activity is scheduled to last for three days until Friday (20/08).
Kumara Tungga Dewa, S.S.
Editor : Ishaq Rahman, AMIPR
