On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Department of Linguistics, along with the Undergraduate Program in Sundanese Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran (FIB Unpad), successfully organized a general lecture. The event, held at the Aula PSBJ FIB Unpad, featured Dr. Suryadi, an expert and academic from Leiden University, Netherlands, as the keynote speaker. The academic discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Susi Yuliawati, M.Hum.
During the general lecture, Dr. Suryadi delivered a highly engaging presentation titled “God’s envoys as the harvesters of words: Evangelists-Lexicographers in colonial and post-Independent Indonesia”. The presentation explored the crucial role of European evangelists in pioneering and expanding the tradition of dictionary writing for regional languages in Indonesia, spanning from the colonial era to the post-independence period.
Academically, the practice of dictionary writing carried out by European evangelists since the 19th century constitutes a crucial part of the history of regional language studies in Indonesia. A number of European evangelists during the colonial era laid the foundations for a tradition of dictionary writing, which subsequently influenced local scholars in later periods.
Interestingly, beyond the linguistic aspects, these evangelists also studied various cultural aspects and the environment of the indigenous communities where they were stationed by the zending (evangelical mission) organizations that sent them to the Archipelago. The general lecture did not emphasize the theological aspects of European missionary missions in Indonesia. Instead, the discussion sought to reveal the scholarly contribution of European evangelical missions in studying regional languages in Indonesia, particularly regarding dictionary compilation.
This academic event was open to the public and garnered high enthusiasm. It was attended by lecturers and students from various study levels, ranging from undergraduate (S1), master’s (S2), to doctoral (S3) programs, who participated in the Q&A and discussion session following the presentation.
Through the implementation of this general lecture, FIB Unpad continues to prove its commitment to fostering international academic exchange while broadening the horizons of linguistic history for its academic community, particularly within the Department of Linguistics and Sundanese Literature. Additionally, this activity is expected to enhance the understanding of SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
