Let Using Bangla Properly Be Our New Year Resolution

Bangla New Year, Pahela Baishakh, carries a unique significance in the lives of Bengalis. It is not just the beginning of a new year but a deep cultural and traditional expression of Bangla ethnicity. On this day, people express their determination to leave behind old sorrows and failures and move towards new hopes and possibilities. New Year reminds us of our roots, our language, and our identity. And the most important element of this identity is the Bangla language. Therefore, correct speech in Bangla can become an essential part of the spirit of Bangla New Year.
The Bangla language is not just a means of communication; it is the bearer of our history, culture, literature and emotions. The Bangla language has reached its current position through thousands of years of evolution. Starting from the Charyapad, mediaeval literature, then the rise of modern Bangla literature—all of which have increased the richness of this language manifold. One of the most important chapters in this glorious heritage of language is the language movement, which is a shining example of self-sacrifice to protect the dignity of our language. This history teaches us that love for language is not just a passion but also a responsibility.
Yet, in the present day, we observe that the practice of correct Bangla is gradually decreasing. Especially in urban life and among the younger generation, unnecessary mixing of Bangla with English or other languages has become a common trend. Although this mixed language, known as “Banglish”, often facilitates communication, it is gradually eroding the uniqueness and purity of our language. At the same time, pronunciation mistakes, spelling errors and grammatical inconsistencies are distorting the correct form of the language.
The New Year brings us an opportunity to think anew. If we take this time to look at the use of our language, it can be the beginning of a positive change. Speaking in correct Bangla does not just mean using difficult or pompous words; rather, the main goal of correct speech is to express oneself in simple, fluent and correct language. This further consolidates our personality and strengthens our cultural identity.
Educational institutions are one of the main areas for practising correct language. If students are taught correct pronunciation, spelling and grammar in schools and colleges and given the opportunity to practise them regularly, they will naturally become interested in correct Bangla. It is possible to make language practice more interesting through textbooks, co-curricular activities, debates, recitation and writing competitions. If teachers themselves use correct language, students will be encouraged to follow suit.
The family is also an important area of language learning. Children learn their first language from family members. Therefore, parents should speak correct Bangla with their children and correct their mistakes. At the same time, it is also important to develop the habit of reading Bangla books. Through stories, poems, and rhymes, children can appreciate the beauty and diversity of the language.
The influence of media and social media is very widespread nowadays. If the use of correct language can be ensured on television, radio, newspapers and online platforms, it will have a positive impact on people. On social media, we often use short, distorted or mixed language with English. This often becomes a habit. Therefore, we should consciously try to write posts, comments and messages in correct Bangla. On the one hand, this will improve our language skills, and on the other hand, it will also inspire others.
In the age of technology, the development and preservation of the Bangla language is an important issue. Currently, various Bangla keyboards, fonts and software have been created, which have made writing Bangla easier. As a result of Unicode technology, the Bangla language has got the opportunity to be used in digital media worldwide. If we take advantage of this opportunity to create quality Bangla content, it will be helpful in spreading and preserving the purity of the language.
Various New Year events – joy rallies, Bangla New Year discussions, cultural programmes, and Grammyo Melas – are a reflection of our tradition. The use of correct Bangla can be further strengthened in these events. For example, in conducting programmes, singing, recitation, drama, Bangla extempore speeches, and Bangla essay writing competitions—the correct use of the language should be ensured in all areas. This will further enhance the beauty of the festival, and people will be interested in the language anew.
The correct use of the Bangla language is not only important from a cultural perspective, but it is also related to our mental and intellectual development. The more a language is used, the clearer and more organised the thoughts and expressions become. Therefore, speaking in correct Bangla also improves our thinking power.
However, there are some challenges in practising correct language. Many people think that correct Bangla is difficult or unnecessary. Some others think that the importance of Bangla is decreasing due to the dominance of English in modern life. These ideas are wrong. In reality, although knowing multiple languages is a skill, achieving proficiency in one’s mother tongue is even more important. Because the mother tongue is the foundation of our thoughts, feelings and creativity.
In this joyful moment of the New Year, if we make a small but important promise, “We will speak correct Bangla”, it can be a big step for our language and culture. This is not a difficult task; rather, it can be easily achieved with regular practice.
In conclusion, the Bangla New Year opens the door to new possibilities in our lives. To make this possibility meaningful, we need to look back to our roots. And one of the main foundations of those roots is our language. So, let us all take an oath together; speaking Bangla correctly will be our pride, our identity and the foundation of our New Year spirit.

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The writer CEO, EduVation Bangladesh and Principal, Naafein International Academy, Dhaka