The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) is a public central university located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is dedicated to the teaching, research and training of English and foreign languages, literatures, linguistics and related cultural studies. EFLU is one of the principal institutions in India for the professional preparation of language teachers and for advanced studies in applied linguistics, translation and area studies.
| Type | Public central university |
|---|---|
| Focus | English, foreign languages, linguistics, literature |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Predecessor | Central Institute of English (1958); later Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL) |
| University status | Granted in 2007 |
| Campuses | Hyderabad (main), Lucknow, Shillong |
| Country | India |
Background
The institution traces its origins to the Central Institute of English, which was established in Hyderabad in 1958 to improve the teaching of English in India, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels. With the expansion of its mandate to include the study and teaching of foreign languages, the institute was renamed the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL).
In 1973, CIEFL was conferred the status of a deemed university by the Government of India. In 2007, through an Act of Parliament, it was upgraded to a full central university and renamed the English and Foreign Languages University.
Campuses
The university operates from a main campus in Hyderabad, situated at Tarnaka. It also has regional campuses in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) and Shillong (Meghalaya), which extend its outreach in northern and north-eastern India.
Academic structure
EFLU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, MPhil, PhD and diploma programmes. Its academic activity is organised through schools and departments covering, among others:
- English language teaching and applied linguistics
- English literature and literary studies
- European languages such as French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian
- Asian and African languages, including Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean
- Translation studies and interpretation
- Cultural studies, communication and media studies
- Distance education and teacher training
The university is well known for its programmes in English language teaching (ELT), and for training teachers, teacher educators and material writers from India and several other countries.
Timeline
- 1958 – Central Institute of English founded at Hyderabad.
- 1973 – Granted deemed-to-be-university status; renamed Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL).
- 1973–2006 – Expansion of foreign language departments and establishment of regional campuses at Lucknow and Shillong.
- 2007 – Upgraded to a central university and renamed the English and Foreign Languages University.
Significance
EFLU is regarded as a leading Indian centre for the academic and professional study of languages. It has played a significant role in shaping English language teaching policy, curriculum and teacher training in India, and in offering systematic university-level instruction in a wide range of foreign languages. Its alumni include language teachers, translators, interpreters, academics and diplomats working across India and abroad.
Related topics
- Hyderabad
- Central Universities in India
- English Language Teaching
- Linguistics in India
- Higher Education in India
- University Grants Commission
References
- Wikidata entry: Q3635521
- Government of India, English and Foreign Languages University Act, 2006.