Feature

Defending the Grudges

Sarah Z Haque

As private university students we are all 'au fait' with the attitude in people who hold a grudge against us. They have scores of complaints regarding multiple issues like our articulation, manners, behaviour, clothing, patriotism and even food habits! It's true that in most cases they have strong inducements on their sides to think in the way they do. But it is also true that some of their claims are quite prejudiced and one such is that private universities do not teach their students to respect their mother language.

I firmly disapprove of the premise because disrespecting one's mother language cannot actually be influenced if not the person is unaware of his origin. In a third world country like ours we are obligated to practice English language more minutely than our own language for many obvious reasons. We cannot let the marketability and convenience of a second language, which is widely being used as a tool or rather a technology, question the love for a language that is our own. If so, then why be judgmental when it comes to private universities alone.

Now then, I have an announcement for the fault seekers that I would like to make. Very recently in the summer semester of 2007, North South University has introduced a Bengali course called 'Bengali Language and Literature.' NSU has been offering Bengali courses for the past few semesters but unfortunately not an adequate number of students were showing eagerness. But things changed when for the first time in a couple of months a good number of students, just enough to fill half the class signed up for this course.

This course has been identified as Bengali 205. It will put forward styles of prose like standard, colloquial and dialect. It has been designed for reviewing and practicing of basic grammar, syntax and introduction to language skills. Special focus will be given in developing integrated language skills through various language mechanisms. It will also deal with important aspects of Bengali grammar and vocabulary. The aim of this course is to familiarize the students with the trend of Bengali literature in last 100 years. Students will be exposed to notable works of major poets, novelists and short story writers. Alike any other courses that we take, this course will also have 3 credits. I contemplate most sincerely that this little endeavour endorsed by North South University will not go unnoticed and all their hard work will be paid off with due proficiency.

(Student of NSU)