Dr. Anvita Abbi is a renowned Indian linguist and scholar celebrated for her pioneering contributions to the preservation and documentation of India’s indigenous and endangered languages. She earned her Master’s degree in Linguistics in 1970, graduating with first division and first rank, and went on to complete her Ph.D. in Linguistics from Cornell University, Ithaca, USA. She later served as a faculty member at Cornell University and Kansas State University before returning to India in 1976 to join Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Dr. Abbi has conducted extensive first-hand field research across all six language families of India, covering regions from the Himalayas to the Andaman Islands. Her research has been instrumental in documenting and revitalizing several lesser-known languages, including the Great Andamanese languages.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to linguistics, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013, one of India’s highest civilian honors. She is also the Founder Director of the Centre for Oral and Tribal Literature at the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, further cementing her commitment to the study and preservation of tribal and oral linguistic traditions. Dr. Abbi’s work continues to inspire efforts in linguistic preservation and highlights the cultural and intellectual value of India’s diverse linguistic landscape.