ELRC Ethical Commitment

Upholding Integrity, Respect, and Accountability in Every Action.

The Endangered Languages Research Cluster (ELRC) at the Discipline of English, Khulna University, is founded on a strong commitment to ethical research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Recognizing that language research involves people, identities, and living cultural traditions, ELRC upholds the highest standards of academic integrity, community respect, and social responsibility in all its activities.

Guiding Principles

Respect for Communities and Cultures

ELRC respects the linguistic, cultural, and intellectual rights of all language communities. Research activities are designed to honour community traditions, beliefs, and knowledge systems.

Informed Consent and Voluntary Participation

All participants in ELRC research projects are engaged through free, prior, and informed consent. Participation is always voluntary, and community members retain the right to withdraw at any stage.

Transparency and Accountability

ELRC ensures openness in research purposes, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Findings are shared responsibly, with due acknowledgment of contributors and communities.

Equity and Inclusion

The Cluster promotes inclusive participation, giving voice to underrepresented and marginalized language communities. Collaborative and participatory research methods ensure shared ownership of knowledge.

Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights

ELRC recognizes the moral and intellectual ownership of linguistic and cultural data by the communities themselves. Any use, publication, or dissemination of such data occurs with permission and due credit.

Data Protection and Privacy

All field data, recordings, and documents are handled with confidentiality and stored securely. Sensitive information is protected following institutional and international ethical standards.

Integrity and Honesty in Research

ELRC researchers and affiliates commit to honesty, fairness, and rigor in conducting and reporting research. Plagiarism, misrepresentation, and data manipulation are strictly prohibited.

Reciprocity and Benefit Sharing

Research outcomes are shared with language communities in accessible and meaningful forms. ELRC strives to ensure that communities directly benefit from documentation, training, and revitalization efforts.

Implementation and Oversight

Ethical compliance is monitored by the ELRC Steering Committee, with guidance from the Khulna University Research Ethics Framework. All ELRC projects require ethical clearance in accordance with Khulna University’s Research Ethics Policy and international best practices. Regular reviews, workshops, and training sessions on research ethics are conducted for ELRC members, students, and collaborators.

Commitment to Continuous Reflection

ELRC views ethics not as a static set of rules but as a dynamic and evolving practice. As linguistic, cultural, and technological contexts change, the Cluster continually reflects on and refines its ethical standards to ensure respectful, inclusive, and responsible research.

Statement of Commitment

“ELRC is dedicated to advancing linguistic and cultural knowledge through practices that honour human dignity, community trust, and scholarly integrity. We believe that ethical research is the foundation of meaningful collaboration and sustainable impact.”

ELRC Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct of the Endangered Languages Research Cluster (ELRC) establishes the behavioural, academic, and professional standards expected of all ELRC members, associates, and collaborators. It ensures that all Cluster activities are conducted with integrity, respect, inclusivity, and accountability, in line with Khulna University’s ethical and institutional principles.

This Code applies to:

All ELRC members, including faculty, researchers, and students;
Associate members from other universities or institutes;
Collaborating partners, both national and international;
Community participants and contributors involved in ELRC projects.

Integrity – Conduct all activities with honesty, fairness, and transparency.
Respect – Treat all individuals and communities with dignity, cultural sensitivity, and empathy.
Accountability – Take personal and collective responsibility for actions, research outcomes, and resource use.
Collaboration – Foster open, cooperative, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Inclusivity – Promote equitable participation of all members regardless of discipline, status, or background.
Confidentiality – Respect the privacy and intellectual property of communities and collaborators.
Professionalism – Maintain academic rigor, courtesy, and commitment to ELRC’s mission.

Uphold the values and mission of Khulna University and the English Discipline.
Conduct research and collaboration ethically and responsibly, following ELRC’s Ethical Commitment.
Acknowledge contributions of all partners, including community participants.
Avoid discrimination, harassment, or bias in any form.
Protect data confidentiality and seek informed consent in all field and digital research.
Share knowledge, resources, and outcomes openly and respectfully.
Use institutional resources (funds, data, equipment, and spaces) efficiently and responsibly.
Refrain from plagiarism, falsification, or misrepresentation of information.
Report any conflict of interest or ethical concern to the ELRC Steering Committee.

All research under ELRC must receive ethical clearance from Khulna University Research and Innovation Center.
Fieldwork must follow community-centered and participatory approaches.
Sensitive linguistic or cultural materials must be handled in line with ethical and data protection protocols.
Dissemination of research must be truthful, respectful, and duly attributed.

Members must work collaboratively and maintain mutual respect across disciplines and hierarchies.
Decisions and discussions should reflect collective responsibility and inclusivity.
ELRC encourages open communication and constructive feedback in all collaborative activities.

Breach of Conduct

Violations of this Code—including unethical behaviour, misconduct, or misuse of resources—shall be reviewed by the ELRC Steering Committee in accordance with Khulna University’s disciplinary policies. Depending on the severity, actions may include warnings, suspension of membership, or referral to higher university authorities.

Affirmation of Commitment

All ELRC members and collaborators must sign a declaration of compliance with this Code of Conduct before participating in ELRC activities or research projects.

Statement of Adherence

“As members of the Endangered Languages Research Cluster (ELRC), we commit to uphold integrity, respect, inclusivity, and accountability in all our endeavours. We pledge to contribute to the advancement of linguistic and cultural knowledge with honesty, humility, and shared purpose.”