Tracing Linguistic Evolution: Language Contact between English, Bengali, and Other Languages Across Three Phases in Bangladesh and its Place in World Englishes
Abstract
This article explores the historical progression of language contact in Bangladesh. It focuses on the interaction between English, Bengali, and other regional languages. The study is divided into three phases: the colonial period (1853–1947), the post-colonial period under Pakistan (1947–1971), and the post-liberation period after Bangladesh’s independence (1971 onwards). Each phase brought significant sociopolitical and cultural changes. These shifts influenced how languages interacted and shaped the linguistic landscape of the region. The article shows how these phases contributed to the rise of a localized form of English. This variety developed alongside the dominant presence of Bengali in a bilingual and multilingual environment. The study uses the framework of World Englishes to understand these changes. It highlights the unique linguistic innovations of Bangladeshi English. These features reflect the country's historical and sociolinguistic context. The article also shows how English has adapted to local needs while retaining its global significance. By integrating historical phases with the concept of World Englishes, the study captures the evolution of English in Bangladesh. It emphasizes how different periods have shaped a distinctive linguistic landscape.
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