Chittagonian Language: Unique Identity Beyond Dialects

The Chittagonian language(চাটগাঁইয়া ভাষা) is a prominent and distinct language spoken by millions in the southeast region of Bangladesh, specifically the Chittagong Division. Unlike popular belief, it is neither a dialect nor an accent of Bangla; instead, it is recognized by linguists as an entirely independent language with its grammar, vocabulary, and phonology. 

This blog delves into the uniqueness, history, linguistic features, and socio-cultural importance of the Chittagonian language, aiming to present detailed information for linguistics enthusiasts, language researchers, and cultural advocates. 

Historical Background 

Chittagonian, rooted in the Indo-Aryan language family, evolved over centuries alongside the socio-economic and cultural development of southeastern Bangladesh. Its isolation from mainstream Bengali-speaking regions allowed the language to develop independently. 

Despite its rich linguistic identity, formal education and documentation in Chittagonian remain minimal, with Bangla dominating public and educational spaces. 

Geographical Distribution of Chittagonian Speakers 

Primarily spoken in the Chittagong district, Cox's Bazar, and the hill tracts of Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari, Chittagonian boasts a speaker base of around 14 million individuals, both locally and among expatriate communities in the United States and other countries. 

Linguistic Features That Define Chittagonian 

1. Grammar and Phonology: Chittagonian grammar structures differ significantly from standard Bangla, making mutual intelligibility difficult. Unique verb conjugations, sentence formations, and tonal variations contribute to its distinctiveness. 
    
2. Vocabulary: Chittagonian vocabulary has absorbed influences from Arabic, Persian, Portuguese, and Burmese due to Chittagong’s history as a trade hub. 
    
3. Accents and Variations:Unlike a single homogeneous form, the Chittagonian language itself encompasses five primary accents that vary across the region. 

Chittagonian grammar is similar to that of Bangla, with significant variations in inflectional morphology (prefixes, suffixes, particles, etc.), and some variation in word order. Like related languages of the eastern subcontinent, Chittagonian is a head-final language, with a subject–object–verb basic word order. Like Assamese (Ôxômiya) but unlike Bengali (Bangla), Chittagonian has preverbal negation. This means that the negative particle will precede the verb in Chittagonian, whereas the corresponding Bangla version would have a negative particle following the verb. 

দ়ারা ১: বিয়াক্ মানুশ ইজ্‌জত এদ্দে অ়কর্ ই়শাফে আজাদ্ আর্ ও়ঁৰাইন্‌না অ়ইয়েরে ফ়য়দা অ়য়্। ই়তারাত্‌তু আহল্ এদ্‌দে বিবেক্ আস়ে; এ়তল্‌লায়্ এজ্‌জন্ আরেজ্‌জনর্ ও়ঁৰারে ৱেইয়র না৴ন বেৱার গরন দরহারি। — Chittagonian in the Chittagonian alphabet 

Dàra ek: Biàk manush izzôt edde òkor ìshafe azad ar òwainna òiyere foyda òy. ìtarattu ahôl edde bibek asè; ètollay ezzon arezzonor òöware bèiyôr nān bebàr gôrônnan dôrhari. — Chittagonian in transcription, faithful to pronunciation. 

Clause 1: All human free-manner-in equal dignity and right taken birth-take do. Their reason and intelligence are; therefore everyone indeed one another's brotherhood-ly attitude taken conduct should. — Word to word gloss. 

Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience. Therefore, they should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. — Translation.  Data Source: wiki voyage: Chittagonian phrasebook 

Current Status and Challenges 

Chittagonian is spoken by an estimated 13 to 14 million people, predominantly in the Chittagong Division of Bangladesh. Despite its large speaker base, Chittagonian faces several challenges in terms of preservation and formal recognition: 

1. Lack of Official Recognition: 

While Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh and is used in government, education, and media, Chittagonian remains largely a spoken language. It is not officially recognized or used in formal education or governmental functions. This limits the opportunities for Chittagonian speakers to use their language in formal settings and limits its development as a written language. 

2. Language Shift: 

Due to the monopolistic dominance of Bengali in education, media, and public life, many younger generations are shifting from Chittagonian to Bengali Directly. While Chittagonian is still widely spoken in rural areas, urbanization, and modernization are contributing to a gradual decline in its usage. In cities like Chittagong, younger people are more likely to use Bengali, especially in professional and educational contexts. 

3. Decline of Language Transmission: 

As a primarily oral language, Chittagonian is at risk of being lost if it is not passed on to future generations. The lack of written materials, formal instruction, and official recognition hampers efforts to teach the language to younger people. Many Chittagonian-speaking communities are increasingly using Bengali as their primary language, which could lead to the erosion of Chittagonian over time. 

4. Limited Digital Presence: 

Unlike Bengali, Chittagonian lacks a significant digital presence. There are few online platforms, apps, or social media spaces that promote the language, making it harder for young people to engage with it in the modern digital world. 

Efforts for Preservation 

Several efforts are underway to preserve and promote Chittagonian: 

1. Linguistic Research and Documentation: 

Linguists and cultural researchers are working to document Chittagonian's grammar, vocabulary, and phonology. Academic institutions and local organizations are compiling dictionaries and language resources to aid in linguistic preservation. These resources will help future generations learn the language and ensure its survival. 

2. Cultural Promotion: 

Efforts are being made by cultural organizations and local groups to promote Chittagonian through literature, music, and theater. Chittagonian folk songs and local stories are being recorded and shared, and cultural festivals are being held to celebrate the language and its traditions. 

3. Educational Initiatives: 

Some communities are offering platforms to younger generations. This helps ensure that Chittagonian continues to be spoken and understood by the people of the region, particularly the youth. 

4. Digital Tools: 

With the rise of the internet, efforts are being made to create digital resources, including websites, apps, and social media content in Chittagonian. These platforms help foster a sense of community around the language and encourage its use among younger generations who are more engaged with digital media. 

5. Advocacy for Recognition: 

Some advocacy groups are calling for the recognition of Chittagonian as a separate language within Bangladesh's official linguistic framework. They argue that Chittagonian should be included in educational curricula and government services to ensure its preservation and development. 

Chittagonian is a distinct and important language that holds deep cultural, historical, and social significance for the people of the Chittagong Division. Despite facing challenges related to official recognition, language shift, and limited use in formal contexts, efforts are being made to preserve and promote Chittagonian. These include linguistic research, cultural initiatives, educational programs, and digital platforms that aim to keep the language alive for future generations. The survival of Chittagonian depends on continued efforts to support its use and teach it to younger speakers, ensuring that it remains a living and vibrant part of Bangladesh's linguistic diversity. 

Language and Mutual Intelligibility 

One of the most compelling distinctions of Chittagonian culture is its language, which is incomprehensible to over 90% of Bengali speakers. Unlike the assumption of Chittagonian being a dialect of Bengali, it is a standalone language with its syntax, phonetics, and vocabulary. 

This lack of mutual intelligibility reinforces the idea that Chittagonian is not merely a derivative of Bengali but an independent linguistic entity. The Chittagonian language encapsulates centuries of history, trade interactions, and regional influences, further distancing it linguistically and culturally from mainstream Bengali norms. 

Cultural Uniqueness and Practices of Chittagonian People 

The Chittagonian community, historically and culturally, is distinct from the mainstream Bengali culture. Their traditions, culinary habits, attire, and linguistic practices have evolved uniquely due to geographical isolation and the region’s historical interactions with different cultures and civilizations. 

Distinctive Cultural Practices 

1. Traditional Attire: Historically, Chittagonian men wore long kurtas paired with lungis, a style that stood apart from the more common Bengali attire. Although modern influences have diminished this tradition, it is still occasionally observed in rural areas and among older generations. 
On the other hand, women in Chittagong traditionally wore them(a type of wrap-around skirt) with blouses. Unfortunately, this practice has become almost extinct, with only women above seventy years old still seen wearing this attire in some remote regions. 

2. Culinary Differences: Chittagonian culinary practices are strikingly different from those of Bengali culture.  

For example: 

• Rice Preferences: While Bengalis predominantly consume boiled rice (siddha chal), Chittagonians prefer atap chal(parboiled rice), which reflects their unique dietary habits. 

• Cooking Techniques: Chittagonian cooking methods emphasize richer flavors, incorporating a distinct combination of spices and cooking styles. The preparation of fish, meat, and vegetables often includes techniques and seasoning that differ from mainstream Bengali cuisine. 

• Unique Sweets and Snacks: Chittagonian pithas(traditional rice cakes) and snacks are markedly different in both taste and preparation from those of Bengalis, showcasing their diverse culinary creativity. 

3. Cultural Retentions and Losses: 
The influence of mainstream Bengali culture has led to the gradual decline of some Chittagonian traditions. Despite this, certain unique practices persist, reflecting their resilience in maintaining cultural identity. 

Preserving a Rich Heritage 

The cultural and linguistic heritage of the Chittagonian people is a vital part of their identity. While modern influences pose challenges to these traditions, efforts to document and celebrate their unique practices, from clothing to cuisine and language, can ensure that their distinctiveness is not lost to history. Recognizing the Chittagonian culture's uniqueness is essential for preserving the diverse cultural mosaic of Bangladesh. 

Why Chittagonian is Not a Dialect of Bangla 

Many argue that Chittagonian is a dialect of Bangla; however, linguistic experts firmly disagree. The significant grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary differences establish Chittagonian as a standalone language. 

Additionally, unlike dialects, which often maintain mutual intelligibility with the parent language, Chittagonian speakers frequently struggle to communicate effectively with standard Bangla speakers without prior exposure. 

Official Linguistic Records of Chittagonian 

Challenges in Preserving the Chittagonian Language 

1. Lack of Formal Documentation: 
   Limited resources exist for studying Chittagonian, with no significant inclusion in formal education systems. 
    
2. Cultural Assimilation: 
   The dominance of Bangla in media and education pressures native speakers to abandon Chittagonian in formal settings. 
    
3. Digital Presence: 
   Efforts to document and digitize Chittagonian are in their infancy compared to other regional languages. 

Efforts to Preserve Chittagonian 

Several organizations and linguists are working to document and promote the Chittagonian language through digital platforms, academic studies, and cultural initiatives. Platforms like Sitainga.comare dedicated to preserving and promoting the language through research and educational resources. 

Visit Sitainga 

The Last: Future of Chittagonian 

Chittagonian deserves recognition and preservation as a distinct language with a rich heritage. Raising awareness about its unique linguistic features and promoting its use in digital and educational spaces can ensure its survival for future generations. 

Open and Public Domain Resources Links: 

Data as: Ethnologue 

Chittagonianis a language of wider communication that originated in Bangladesh. It belongs to the Indo-European language family. Direct evidence is lacking, but the language is thought to be used as a first language by all in the ethnic community. It is not known to be taught in schools. 

Data As: Wikipedia 

ISO 639-3: ctg(Glottolog) 

Linguasphere: 73-DEE-aa 

Translatewiki.net portal 

English Wikipedia article: Chittagonian language(ctg) 

Data As: Omniglot 

Chittagonian is a member of the Eastern Bengali-Assamese branch of the Indo-Aryan language family. It is spoken by about 13 million people in the Chittagong Division in southeast Bangladesh, particularly in the city of Chittagong, and in the Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari districts. 

Data as: Wiki Voyage 

Chittagonian (চিটাইঙ্গা / চাটগাঁইয়া ৱাশা) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the people of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban & Khagrachhari in Bangladesh. It is not mutually intelligible with Bangla and it has its own grammar, phonology, and vocabulary. That's why it is considered by linguists to be a separate language. It is estimated to have 14 million speakers in, the United States and other countries. According to the status of Top 100 Languages by Population by Ethnologue, Chittagong ranked 75th in the world. 

OLAC Record 

OLAC resources in and about the Chittagonian language 

http://www.language-archives.org/item/oai:glottolog.org:chit1275 

Archive details 

http://www.language-archives.org/archive/glottolog.org 

List Records from an OLAC Archive 

http://www.language-archives.org/archive_records/glottolog.org  (8167 record(s) from glottolog.org) 

Wide Reference on Chittagonian Language 

Bangladeshi News Cover On Topic: 

Chittagonian in the list of top spoken languages 

Date: February 18-19, 2020 

1. পৃথিবীর ১০০ ভাষায় স্থান পেলো চাটগাঁইয়া-সিলেটি(BanglaNews24) 
2. সর্বাধিক ব্যবহৃত কথ্য ভাষা চাটগাঁইয়া ও সিলেটি!(Khaborer Kagoj) 
3. বিশ্বের শীর্ষ ১০০ কথিত ভাষার তালিকায় সিলেটি-চাটগাঁইয়া(Shampratik Deshkal) 
4. বিশ্বের শীর্ষ ১০০ ভাষার তালিকায় চাটগাঁইয়া-সিলেটি(RTV Online) 
5. বিশ্বের শীর্ষ ১০০ কথ্যভাষায় চাটগাঁইয়া ও সিলেটি(Dhaka Times24) 
6. বিশ্বের শীর্ষ ১০০ কথ্য ভাষায় চাটগাঁইয়া ও সিলেটি বালি(Shomoyer Alo) 

Based on Public Source: 

1. হ্যামারস্ট্রোম, হারাল্ড; ফোরকেল, রবার্ট; হাস্পেলম্যাথ, মার্টিন, সম্পাদকগণ (২০১৭)। "Chittagonian"। গ্লোটোলগ ৩.০(ইংরেজি ভাষায়)। জেনা, জার্মানি: মানব ইতিহাস বিজ্ঞানের জন্য ম্যাক্স প্লাংক ইনস্টিটিউট। 
2. "Chittagonian A language of Bangladesh"। এথনোলগ: ল্যাঙ্গুয়েজ অফ দ্য ওয়ার্ল্ড, ১৬তম সংস্করণ। ২০০৯। সংগ্রহের তারিখ ৩ ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০১৩। 
3. মাসিকা, কলিন(১৯৯১)। The Indo-Aryan Languages। ক্যামব্রিজ: ক্যামব্রিজ বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় প্রেস। পৃষ্ঠা ১৬। The dialect of Chittagong, in southeast Bangladesh, is different enough to be considered a separate language. [দক্ষিণ-পূর্ব বাংলাদেশের চট্টগ্রামের এই উপভাষার যথেষ্ট বৈচিত্র্য রয়েছে, যা একটি পৃথক ভাষা হিসাবে বিবেচিত হওয়ার জন্য যথেষ্ট।] Ethnologue (২০০৫)। "Chittagonian, a language of Bangladesh"। 
4. Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir, eds. (2012). "Chittagong City". Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh(Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN  984-32-0576-6. OCLC  52727562. OL  30677644M. Retrieved 9 December 2024. 
5. Masica, Colin(1991). The Indo-Aryan Languages. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 25. 
6. Gordon Jr., Raymond G. (2005), Ethnologue: Languages of the World (15th edition), Dallas, Texas: SIL International, ISBN  978-1-55671-159-6, archived from the originalon 24 February 2007 
7. Nationalencyklopedin"Världens 100 största språk 2007" The World's 100 Largest Languages in 2007 
8. Chittagonian language and alphabet". Archivedfrom the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022. "Bengali (Chittagong) at wals". 
9. Masica, Colin(1991). The Indo-Aryan Languages. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 16. "The dialect of Chittagong, in southeast Bangladesh, is different enough to be considered a separate language. Dialects are independent of literary speech: as such East Bengali dialects, North Bengali dialects (with which Assamese is to be associated), and West Bengali dialects are not only independent of one another, but also they are not, as it is popularly believed in Bengal, derived from literary Bengali, the "sadhu-bhasha", which is a composite speech on an early West Bengali basis."(Chatterji 1926:108) Chatterji (1926), p. 138. 
10. Norihiko, Učida(1970). Der Bengali-dialekt von Chittagong. p. 8. 
11. Hai, Muhammad A. (1965). A study of Chittagong dialect. In Anwar S. Dil (ed.), Studies in Pakistani Linguistics. pp. 17–38. 
12. Moniruzzaman, M. (2007). Dialect of Chittagong. In Morshed, A. K. M.; Language and Literature: Dhaka: Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. 
13. Gboard for Android Adds Support for Over 20 New Languages". NDTV Gadgets 360. 7 March 2018. Archivedfrom the original on 25 May 2021. Retrieved