Bengali, also known as Bangla, is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. It is the seventh most spoken language in the world, with over 220 million speakers
Why learn Bengali?
Bengali is an incredibly rich and expressive language, with a long and fascinating history. The language has its roots in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, and evolved over the centuries to become one of the most vibrant and dynamic languages in the world.
Bengali has a rich literary tradition, with some of the most famous poets and writers of India hailing from the Bengal region. The first major literary work in Bengali was the Charyapada, a collection of Buddhist hymns and songs that dates back to the 10th century. Over the centuries, Bengali literature has produced many great works, including the epic poem the Ramayana, the plays of Rabindranath Tagore, and the novels of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Bengali is known for its unique sound and rhythm, with a distinctive intonation that is instantly recognizable. The language has a rich musical tradition, with many famous songs and compositions that have become part of the cultural fabric of the region. Bengali music has also had a profound impact on Indian cinema, with many famous film songs drawing inspiration from the language’s rich musical heritage.
One of the most distinctive features of Bengali is its writing system, which is based on the Bengali script. The script is a syllabic alphabet, with each consonant having an inherent vowel sound. This means that Bengali words are typically written using a combination of consonants and vowels, with diacritical marks used to indicate specific sounds.
The Bengali script has a long and fascinating history, with the earliest known examples dating back to the 9th century. Over the centuries, the script has evolved and changed, with different styles and variations emerging in different regions. Today, the Bengali script is widely used not just for writing Bengali, but also for writing other languages spoken in the region, such as Assamese and Manipuri.
Bengali is a language that is deeply intertwined with the culture and identity of the Bengali people. It has been used as a tool of resistance and liberation, with many famous songs and poems serving as rallying cries for political movements and social justice causes. Bengali has also played a central role in the development of the region’s rich cultural heritage, with literature, music, and art all flourishing in the language.
Today, Bengali continues to be a vibrant and dynamic language, with a thriving literary and cultural scene. It is spoken by millions of people around the world and has become an important language of business, education, and diplomacy. With its rich history, unique sound, and expressive writing system, Bengali is truly a language like no other.
Learning Bengali can be beneficial for several reasons. It can help you understand and appreciate the rich culture, literature, and music of the Bengali-speaking regions of India and Bangladesh. It can also open up new business and job opportunities, enhance communication with Bengali-speaking communities, and enrich your overall linguistic and cultural knowledge
How can BFA help you?
BFA organises Bengali language classes regularly for kids and adults. We offer courses and training programs for individuals and groups interested in learning Bengali in both online and face-to-face formats
It will be also helpful to connect with native Bengali speakers in our community or online to practice speaking and immersing yourself in the language