Language
Language is a huge component of culture. Bangladeshi especially have struggle to gain the right to express their thoughts in their own language through colonization. In February 21, 1952, six men were killed by police forces for speaking in Bangla. It makes the "National Language Day" in Bangladesh.
The works of the Non-Profits comprise of both Bangla and English. While the lyrics and songs often stays in Bangla, the poems and narration are showcased in English
How Non-Profit incorporate English
01
Talk about Bangladesh in English
Throughout my time as a student in the non-profits, I have seen many performance and sensed a pattern. Oftentimes, in dances and plays, there is someone speaking in the Background. They often describe the interpretation of the dance or the history behind it in English. So, non-Bengali speakers can better understand the art.
This is a popular performance of BIPA where dancers combines acting and dancing. The whole narration is in English while the song is in Bangla. It talks about Imperialism through the symbolic game of cards
02
Bilingual Flyers/blogs/and Commercials
Like any organization, words need to get out. Therefore, Non-profits often include the title in Bangla to show authenticity and more forward the message. However the important information, such as the time,date,and location are often written in English so that everyone can understand the flier.
There are also non-performance videos such as blogs, behind the scenes, where some people are interviewed in Bangla and Some people are interviewed in English so that it is engaging with both people who can’t speak English and people who are not familiar with the Bangla language.
A student announcing an event in English
A documentary where BIPA leaders are explaining the foundation of BIPA in English
Bengali Title
English smaller Title
Location and
Address in
English
More Important information in English
03
English Lessons for Instruments
Students who take guitar and Keyboard lessons take notes in English as there are no official music notes in bangla for keyboard or guitar. Like how there is no Bengali translation for the A# note.
A guitar student's notes from the teacher Nadim Ahmed
How Non-Profit Stays in Touch with Bangla
01
Bengali Lyrics
Very few students, especially in vocal classes uses English notes. Most of the lyrics used are in Bengali.
This is a vocal exercise where the notation is written in Bengali
A popular song from the poet Rabindranath Tagore "Aguner Poroshmoni"
02
Students and Teachers Conversing in Bengali
It is atypical of ordinary people, especially gen z to converse in language other than English, even if they themselves came from immigrant parents. However, as I step into the classroom, I seemed to enter into another dimension. A dimension where everyone speaks in Bengali with each other. Of course there are a few students who still converse in English. Moreover, most people seems to naturally transition into the Bengali dialogues with each other and teachers.
Students conversing in Bengali during a rehearsal in Rabindra Academy