The Endangered Languages Research Cluster (ELRC) of the Discipline of English at Khulna University is established to advance research, documentation, and revitalization of endangered and minority languages of Bangladesh and beyond. The Strategic Plan 2025–2030 provides a structured roadmap to guide ELRC’s activities over the next five years. This plan aligns with Khulna University’s institutional mission to promote innovation, cultural sustainability, and community engagement through transdisciplinary academic excellence.

Strategic Vision

To establish ELRC as a national and regional leader in research, documentation, and revitalization of endangered and minority languages, fostering linguistic diversity and cultural sustainability through academic collaboration, technological innovation, and community participation.

Mission Statement

The mission of ELRC is to conduct rigorous, ethical, and interdisciplinary research on endangered and minority languages; to empower language communities through participatory and sustainable initiatives; to strengthen national and global academic collaboration; and to advocate for inclusive language policies that recognize linguistic and cultural diversity as vital components of human development.

Strategic Goals (2025–2030)

Research Excellence and Innovation

Expand linguistic documentation of Sadri, Kuruk, and other endangered and minority languages through transdisciplinary research approaches.

Corpuses Development and Digital Repository

Develop corpuses of Sadri, Kuruk, and other endangered and minority languages through field linguistics and deposit them in digital archives.

Community Empowerment and Revitalization

Strengthen participatory and community-based language initiatives to promote sustainable linguistic revitalization.

Capacity Building and Education

Establish language documentation labs, develop research clusters, and build human resources through training, workshops, and digital literacy initiatives.

Partnerships and Networking

Enhance collaboration with universities, research institutions, and indigenous communities at national and international levels.

Language Materials Production

Produce language materials such as dictionaries, word books, and educational resources to support linguistic preservation and study.

Policy Advocacy and Outreach

Influence language policy and raise public awareness about linguistic diversity, promoting inclusivity and cultural respect.

Strategic Objectives and Actions
  • Conduct at least five major research and documentation projects on endangered and minority languages by 2030.
  • Develop a digital archive and corpus of endangered languages of Bangladesh and make it publicly accessible.
  • Train more than 100 students, early-career researchers, and community participants in documentation and revitalization methods.
  • Establish partnerships with at least five international universities or research centers.
  • Organize annual symposia, conferences, and public events on linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
  • Publish research outputs in reputed journals and ensure open-access dissemination of findings.
  • Support curriculum development and policy dialogues that promote multilingualism and linguistic rights.
Implementation Framework

Implementation of the Strategic Plan will be coordinated by the ELRC Steering Committee, under the leadership of the ELRC Coordinator. Each year, the Committee will develop an annual operational plan outlining activities, responsibilities, and timelines. Progress reports will be presented at the end of each academic year and shared with the English Discipline and Khulna University authorities.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Monitoring and Evaluation will be conducted through measurable indicators (KPIs), periodic reviews, and feedback mechanisms. Key performance indicators will include the number of research projects, publications, community engagements, partnerships, and training programs. An annual review and a comprehensive mid-term evaluation will ensure that ELRC remains on track toward achieving its strategic goals.

Resource Mobilization and Sustainability

ELRC will pursue diverse funding sources, including university research grants, government and international funding agencies, and institutional partnerships. The Cluster will also explore digital and community-driven sustainability models, ensuring long-term preservation of linguistic resources and continued research capacity.

Conclusion

The ELRC Strategic Plan 2025–2030 reflects the Cluster’s vision for advancing linguistic scholarship, promoting cultural resilience, and strengthening community partnerships. Through collaborative research, ethical engagement, and institutional excellence, ELRC reaffirms its dedication to preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of Bangladesh and beyond.