Dr. T. Vasanth Kumar is the Professor and Head, Department of Kannada in Mumbai University . His paper in Prof. M. B. Emeneau Centenary International conference on South Asian Linguistics, held at CIIL, Mysore , "Loosing Grounds: Havyaka Diction: A Case Study" deals with the changing facets of the Havyaka diction of Kannada language.

        According to him, Havyak Community migrated from the North and settled itself in the Malnad area and also in Northern part of Kerala. This paper limits itself to Havyaks of Dakshina Kannada and examines the level, nature and effects of modernization that led to the transformation of this diction.

        The major reasons for the change in Havyaka diction is urbanization, mobility, cultural synthesis and socialization. This paper analyses how such factors have brought about a thorough change in Havyaka language and its use patterns influencing the essence of cultural and uniqueness of this community.

        The adaptation of Havyakas to modern life has brought the language to the verge of extinction. Many household terms, terms indicating their expertise, their daily religious rites, social situation, gender-sense etc. have either disappeared completely or have been replaced by loan words.

        In conclusion, though the language is losing its originality, its adaptation to the changing circumstances is appreciated. Prof. Vasanthkumar, observes that present Indian scenario calls for such an expansion and application and in this light this model could be applied to the whole of India .

        Prof. Anoop Mahajan chaired the session.