Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has launched a research-based book titled "Mahale Voices" to support the preservation of the endangered Mahale language, spoken by the Mahale community in the Rajshahi region, reports bdnews24.com.
The book was unveiled at the DMK Lecture Gallery on the IUB campus recently.
Jointly published by IUB and Adorn Publication, Mahale Voices is authored by Towhid Bin Muzaffar, assistant professor at the Department of English and Modern Languages at IUB, along with writer and researcher Haroonuzzaman and Mahale community member Santosh Hemrom.
The event was organised by IUB's Sasheen Center for Multilingual Excellence (SCMLE) and the Department of English and Modern Languages. SCMLE focuses on documenting and preserving endangered and lesser-used languages in Bangladesh.
"Mahale Voices" features 26 folk stories and 24 poems of the Mahale community, presented in Mahale, Bangla, and English. As the Mahale language has no alphabet, the researchers used Roman letters to document it. The compilation and translation process took over three years.
"Our work ensures that the Mahale language is documented through the voices of its own people," said author Towhid.
"The stories and poems in this book come directly from the community, reflecting their lived experiences rather than interpretations by outsiders. By bringing these original narratives to light, we are making them accessible both in Bangladesh and internationally."
Co-author Haroonuzzaman described the book as "both a celebration and a call to action to nurture, protect, and carry forward the Mahale language and its literature."
He added, "Preserving languages is preserving our shared humanity. I encourage readers to explore 'Mahale Voices' and recognise the value of safeguarding linguistic heritage for future generations."
Mahale co-author Santosh Hemrom said the book offers a glimpse into the Mahale community's life and identity.
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