THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE IN CULTURAL IDENTITY: PRESERVING BENGALI IN THE FACE OF MODERN CHALLENGES

Abstract:
This study explores the intricate relationship between language and cultural identity, focusing on Madhusudan's "Ekke Ki Balle Sabhyata." The narrative, through Shibu's accusation of Nabakumar, highlights the tensions surrounding the preservation of the Bengali language amid Western influences. The historical and contemporary pressures on language education reveal a decline in the use of Bengali in favor of English and Hindi, exacerbated by Westernized schooling and media consumption. The research underscores the critical role of family and educational institutions in maintaining the mother tongue. The study calls for a reinvigorated effort to embed Bengali in daily life and education, ensuring cultural continuity and linguistic diversity for future generations.