Languages I Have (Sort of) Learned—Final Episode: Bengali

 

Another door of opportunity opened for me—teaching in Bangladesh. When I announced my new teaching job to my family, they looked at me and asked, “Where’s that?” We have heard about Bangladesh on clothing labels, but it was another country we were not familiar with.

Upon opening an atlas, and after some research, I have learned that Bangladesh:

• The country is in the eastern part of India, close to Myanmar.
• It was earlier known as East Pakistan until the country fought for its independence (through civil war).
• It is largely known for its textile and cloth production.
• The religions are Muslim (89%), Hindu (10%), and Christians and Theravada-Hinayana Buddhists (1%).
• The language spoken is Bengali (also known as Bangla).

To prepare for my new job posting, I prepared myself by listening to Bengali language tapes just so I could familiarize with the language.

Soon the day came when I flew to Dhaka, Bangladesh, where other teachers like me were picked up at the airport and brought to an apartment in the capital city. The sights, sounds, exotic fragrances, and locals in their saris and other ethnic dress pressed into our senses.

I worked at a Canadian school in Dhaka for one school year as a prekindergarten teacher with another team teacher who taught in the next classroom. Being an introvert who steps back and watches her environment before joining in, it took me a few months to get adjusted to the overwhelming environment, not to mention the warm, humid climate. It took me a while, but I came to interact with some of the locals.

The staff at the school—those who managed, cleaned, maintained, and secured the school property. I was approached a few times with the question, “Sina?” (I later learned that they were asking if I was Chinese because of my East Asian features).

Because I taught in a Canadian school where we spoke English, I did not learn Bengali (or Bangla as the locals called it) as much as I would have liked despite my ten months living in Dhaka. However, I love the people there. The local staff who took care of the school building, the rickshaw drivers who became regular drivers (if not, guides) for me who took me to local shops, the Muezzin’s voice calling local Muslims to prayer, and those I have befriended during my stay (some who opened their homes to let me celebrate Eid with their families).

Would I want to learn Bengali properly? To be honest, I am not sure. But if God is willing, and I had another chance to meet those who have been kind to me during my stay, I would like to learn enough to say, “Thank you for all that you have done. Your generosity and kindness have been an encouragement to me while living in Dhaka. God bless you.”