Archive · 14 Nov 2025
IIT Madras Launches Language Lab for Linguistic Diversity
IIT Madras has opened a new lab called LC-Lab to study all the different languages spoken in India.
It’s like a detective lab for words!
They will use special tools like eye-trackers to see how people’s eyes move when they read or listen.
This helps them understand how our brains learn and use languages.
They also want to study how children learn and if they have trouble like dyslexia.
In the future, they might use even more advanced tools like brainwave scanners.
The goal is to make sure that India's many languages are understood and used well, especially in new technologies like AI.
IIT Madras has established the Language and Cognition Laboratory (LC-Lab) within its Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The lab aims to study India's linguistic diversity using an interdisciplinary and technology-driven approach.
Research will initially employ eye-tracking technology and plans to integrate advanced techniques like EEG and TMS in the future.
The initiative seeks to develop human-centred AI systems that represent Indian languages and cultures.
The lab is supported by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation and Aspire Infolab, Hyderabad.
- Who
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
- What
- Launched the ‘Language and Cognition Laboratory’ (LC-Lab) to study India’s linguistic diversity
- When
- November 14, 2025
- Where
- IIT Madras, India
- Why
- To combine linguistics, cognitive science, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence for empirical, data-driven inquiry and to develop linguistically aware AI systems representing Indian languages and cultures.
Rationale for LC-Lab
Research Methodologies
Interdisciplinary Focus
Rationale for LC-Lab
The lab aims to create a space that connects linguistics, cognitive science, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, contributing to socially relevant, linguistically informed technologies.
Research Methodologies
The lab will employ experimental linguistics techniques such as eye-tracking and reaction-time studies, with future plans for EEG and TMS.
Technological Integration
Rationale for LC-Lab
The goal is to develop human-centred and linguistically aware AI systems that represent India's languages and cultures.
Research Methodologies
The lab will use technology to validate linguistic theories and gain a data-driven understanding of human interaction.
- Institution
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
- Lab Name
- Language and Cognition Laboratory (LC-Lab)
- Establishment Date
- November 14, 2025
- Location
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras
- Director
- V Kamakoti
- Faculty Coordinator
- Anindita Sahoo
- Support
- IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation and Aspire Infolab, Hyderabad
- Technologies
- Eye-tracking, Electroencephalography (EEG), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
