Tserenchunt Legden

Tserenchunt Legden is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Central Eurasian Studies at Indiana University Bloomington, specializing in Mongolian language education. She has been affiliated with IU since 2004, leading the development of Mongolian language programs and textbooks. Her work emphasizes proficiency-oriented language instruction and pedagogical innovation in less commonly taught languages.

Education:

• A.B., Russian Language and Literature (Irkutsk University of Education, 1980)
• M.A., Comparative Linguistics (University of Humanities, Mongolia, 1996)
• Certificate in ACTFL/ILR OPI Testing (Mongolian, 2016)

Research Interests: Tserenchunt's work focuses on Mongolian language pedagogy, second language acquisition methodologies, and the phonological structure of Mongolian. She has pioneered Mongolian language curriculum design for international learners and co-authored foundational textbooks such as the Сайн байна уу series. Her research also explores historical linguistics and the cultural intersections of Mongolian language with its Central Eurasian context.

Recognition:

• 2021 Trustees Teaching Award (IU)
• 2011 Order of the Polar Star (Republic of Mongolia)
• 2000 Excellence in Education Award (Mongolian Ministry of Education)

Academic Contributions: Tserenchunt has developed IU's Mongolian language program into a nationally recognized model, standardizing curricula and creating annual summer intensive courses. Her current projects include intermediate/elementary Mongolian textbooks and online learning platforms. She actively participates in academic conferences on language education and Central Eurasian studies, presenting on topics ranging from digital pedagogy to historical toponymy.