For a country that has given this eternal gift to mankind, a country that reflected so much richness, sacrifice, heroism, endurance, charity, diversity, inclusiveness, and magnanimity in its glorious past, somehow it appears to have lost its way. Dark clouds have rolled in, threatening and sinister in their deportment, while a grey mist of ignorance and poverty has enshrouded this land with intolerance, violence, destruction, savagery, and even death lurking in the most unexpected of places. An eerie uncertainty has gripped this fledgling nation that many find incomprehensible.

Quietly but steadily the years have seen an escalation of harsh language and divisive rhetoric that is tearing this nation into shreds. At the confluence of liberal and reactionary language, matters have become murky and convoluted while its undertones have turned acerbic, vitiating, and dangerous. It is the same language that was once friendly, soft, gentle, kind, understanding, nourishing, and accommodating.

Language "has always been held to be man's richest art form, that which distinguishes him from the animal creation." It sets him or her apart from other forms of life. And in its immense complexity, creativity, and ability to communicate, it has taken mankind from the lofty heights of selflessness, unity, tranquility, and harmony to the dark and dank depths of brutishness, selfishness, and incivility across time and nations. Informal polling suggests that Bangladesh today is decidedly skirting the depths and not the heights.

More than a mere conveyor of information, language defines social life. By "classifying, coding, prioritizing, and justifying reality," it makes organized life possible. Conversely, by its malicious, inadvertent, or callous use it can make the same organized life impossible. The language that we use today moulds the thoughts we hold. According to one philosopher, "The structure of language one habitually uses influences the manner in which one can understand [her] environment. The picture of the universe shifts from one tongue to another." The language that we adorn ourselves with also shapes our behaviour.

Clearly, language is a powerful entity that has the ability to build or destroy the social order that many desire. It can alienate us from each other or it can bring us closer; it can complicate lives or it can free us from its knots; it can incite dysfunctional behaviour or it can ameliorate our ways; it can divert us from the path of progress or it can keep us goal directed. The question that we must ponder today is, "How should this otherwise rich and gracious language be harnessed and used and who should lead the process?"

A poet had once said, and I shall paraphrase it: Whoever controls language controls the race! Today that control is in the hands of very few, whether it is the government, the opposition, the marginal political parties, the media, the religious institutions, the military, or other niche groups. These entities, I believe, represent the minority, and yet their voices continue to drown out others that may offer more palatable and viable perspectives that this nation must hear and weigh in its pursuit of salvation and emancipation. Strangely and unfortunately, the vast majority, that once raised its sombre voice in unison against an external oppressive force, today, endures the voice of the minority in an inexplicable silence that is deafening.

What kind of democracy are we living in? Where are the voices of reason that only speak in hushed tones? Will they please move to the front seat? Why are they shy? Or are they afraid? Is this nation not theirs too? Does this flailing nation not expect their participation and guidance?

Today, as dark clouds hang over the fate of this nation, it is vital that more voices, saner voices, emerge from all corners to help find the language that offers real solutions. This language must try a different twist imbued with wisdom, justice, compassion, and a deep understanding of the needs of its different constituencies. It must root out ignorance for it has been said that "In the house of ignorance, there is no mirror in which to view the soul." And it must integrate and unite; therein lies the strength to do the heavy lifting required for nation-building that has eluded us for long. Compromises must be found in that language so that every citizen owns a stake in the nation to want its welfare.

Today's harsh and divisive language neither portends solutions nor any progress. Most importantly, the new language must clearly define our identity as a nation. As Muslims, non-Muslims, "and" Bengalis, as liberals or conservatives, as men or women, as young or old, as thinkers or doers, as rich or poor, as political or apolitical, and as whatever other entity we choose to be represented as, we must begin the process of rebuilding a constructive language of peace and harmony that is inclusive, accommodating, and futuristic. Finding such language will require enormous patience, sensitivity, and hard work. Only then can we expect emancipation for all from these difficult and forlorn times.

Dr. Syed Saad Andaleeb is Professor and Program Chair of Marketing at the Sam and Irene Black School of Business, Pennsylvania State University at Erie.