Language is not only a means of communication; it carries memory, identity, and ways of understanding the world. Reflecting this perspective, the Alliance School of Liberal Arts at Alliance University hosted “Hyphen Connects - Speaking Many Tongues,” an interactive session that explored the depth and diversity of Indian languages.

The session was led by Hyphen, a new publication initiative founded by acclaimed novelist Vivek Shanbag. It brought together ideas around translation, everyday speech, cultural memory, and performance, offering students a space to reflect on how languages function beyond words. The discussion highlighted how language shapes lived experiences and how meaning is often influenced by cultural context.

The session also opened conversations on multilingual literatures in India and how they can engage with one another. It explored how languages across regions can be connected through translation and shared narratives, allowing different voices and perspectives to be understood across linguistic boundaries. Students were encouraged to think about language as a bridge that brings together diverse experiences rather than separating them.

Through interactive engagement and discussion, the session moved beyond a conventional workshop format. It created an environment where students could consider the role of language in shaping identity and expression. The experience served as a reminder that meaning is often found not only in what is said, but also in the connections that language enables.