Local dialects should be respected

Bangladesh is rich with many dialects of Bangla. But, people sometimes feel ashamed of using their own dialects, thinking it is wrong to be used in urban societies. Belittling, insulting and making negative remarks about others' local dialects are also common among us.

Decades ago, our Language Movement heroes paid a heavy price to uphold the dignity of our mother tongue, an act perhaps unparalleled in world history. Through the recognition of UNESCO in 1999, our beloved mother tongue, Bangla, got international recognition. Now the International Mother Language Day is observed across the world on each 21 February. So we should realise the importance of every mother tongue. But, it is a matter of regret that many people make fun of our local dialects as well as ethnic languages. It is not desirable if we believe in the spirit of 21 February.

The overwhelming majority of us speak one of the many nonstandard dialects, each with its own history of evolution, grammar and, let alone, its beauty. We should not feel ashamed of our linguistic heritage; just as we did wage a struggle to protect our right to speak Bangla. We should act in a way so that our local dialects are protected.

Md Ariful Islam,

Student of Department of Pharmacy,

University of Rajshahi,

[email protected]