International Mother Language Institute: Struggles and Setbacks in Language Research and Preservation
The Challenges of Preserving Endangered Languages
The International Mother Language Institute in Bangladesh has faced significant difficulties in its mission to preserve the country's endangered languages. Despite being entrusted with the vital responsibility of safeguarding linguistic diversity, the institute has struggled to make meaningful progress.
Out of Bangladesh's 41 languages, the Institute’s efforts have only just begun for three endangered ones—Rengmitcha, Kondo, and Laleng (Patro). However, this work remains in its early phases. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the stark reality: one of these languages is spoken by only two people, while another by just six, highlighting the critical need for immediate action.
Identified as endangered in a 2016 language survey, these languages have lingered on the brink of extinction, awaiting preservation initiatives. It took seven long years before any tangible steps were initiated, during which the number of speakers continued to dwindle. As of February 2023, officials from the language institute stated that they have preserved words from these three languages and plan to commence digitization soon.
The slow pace of these efforts poses a risk to the linguistic heritage of Bangladesh, with another 14 languages facing extinction in the absence of proactive preservation. Languages such as Kharia, Koda, Soura, Mundari, Khumi, and Pangkhua are among those at risk. The scope of the institute’s responsibilities includes not only recovering and preserving scripts but also formulating new ones for languages that lack writing systems.
Minor Achievements in Other Areas
While the institute's primary objectives remain underachieved, some minor accomplishments can be noted. For instance, the institute was able to translate Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’ into six ethnic minority languages, a noteworthy achievement in promoting cultural inclusivity. Yet, this contribution pales in comparison to the pressing need for a broader and more effective language preservation strategy.
Regarding its broader initiatives, the institute managed to publish a Bengali book containing translations of 14 notable works of world literature as part of the ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair. The quality of these translations, though, is questionable given they were largely completed by senior officials lacking in proper translation expertise, with only one experienced translator involved.
Institutional Shortcomings and Lack of Expertise
An anonymous language expert has criticized the institute for its inadequate management and lack of focus on its primary mission. Its role should ideally involve significant work in promoting the Bengali language globally, fostering international collaborations, and translating Bengali literature into other languages.
However, structural issues within the institute appear to hinder progress. Its official website reveals no positions for researchers. Out of 15 listed officials, 11 are BCS officers with no linguistic expertise, suggesting a disconnect between the institute's objectives and its workforce capabilities. This misalignment is evident in the institute's reliance on hastily published translations, potentially intended to showcase productivity rather than focus on meaningful linguistic research and preservation.
Despite its designation as a ‘grade-2’ institution by UNESCO, the institute has not established significant global connections or made notable achievements that align with its international aspirations. The gap between its mandate and its operational realities has only widened over time.
Financial Constraints and Inefficient Allocation
The International Mother Language Institute is beleaguered by financial and operational inefficiencies that hinder its execution of research and preservation projects. As per its foundational act, the institute has numerous responsibilities, ranging from promoting the Bengali language to researching languages of ethnic communities and constructing language databases. However, research and preservation have not been prioritized in budgetary allocations.
In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the institute's annual report disclosed the inability to expend its dedicated research grants, due to disproportionate budget allocations. Nearly one-third of the budget mandated for research is instead redirected to events and festivals, overshadowing the importance of rigorous research – a crucial component of the institute's agenda.
Underfunding and understaffing are constant barriers. The current budget of Tk 80 million (for 2024-25) allots only Tk 5 million specifically to research. This insufficient funding has jeopardized the momentum of scholarships and research programs designed to document and preserve linguistic heritages.
Director Muhammad Asaduzzaman expressed his expectations that the Institute could potentially meet its goals with adequate staff recruitment and funding. Though the infrastructure is gradually being developed, personnel and financial shortages remain critical issues that impede full operation potential.
A Regional Comparison: Learning from CIIL’s Best Practices
For effective linguistic research and preservation strategies, a comparison with regional models like the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) can provide guiding insights into best practices. The CIIL has established itself as a proactive entity with clear deliverables and a comprehensive approach to language preservation. It advises government bodies on language-related matters, protects minority and indigenous languages, and ensures the promotion of Indian languages, demonstrating a strong commitment to linguistic diversity.
The CIIL’s forthcoming multi-stage language discussion program in April and its routine publication of language course books attest to its commitment and structured methodologies that the International Mother Language Institute can emulate.
The Way Forward
To fulfill its mandate effectively, the International Mother Language Institute must rethink its operational and strategic approach. It is essential to increase funding for research, reevaluate staffing and expertise needs, and nurture international collaborations. Moreover, focus should be renewed on the primary mission of preserving endangered languages through practical action plans.
The institute’s leadership must aim for improved accountability, create transparent and public communication of progress, and seek robust strategic partnerships. By leveraging technology and digital platforms, Bangladesh’s rich linguistic heritage can be not only preserved but revitalized for future generations. Such comprehensive strategies and implementations are critical to upholding the very essence of the International Mother Language Institute.
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