Lesson 3: Our Ethnic Friends

A. Look at the picture. Then discuss the following questions in pairs.

1. What do you see in this picture?
2. Can you read the caption?
3. What does it mean?

[Image of artwork]

Artwork by Joydeb Roaja of an Indigenous woman, emphasizing her deep connection to nature and the environmental wisdom she holds.

B. Now, read the text. Bangladesh is home to more than 54 Indigenous groups, including the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura, with most living in the northern and southeastern flatlands, and the rest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. They have distinct lifestyles, economic practices, and belief systems. These groups speak at least 35 distinct languages, adding to the country's cultural richness. However, many of these languages are endangered, as the dominance of Bangla and modern societal pressures push them towards extinction, a global issue known as "language death." The UN warns that many Indigenous languages are disappearing, with one dying every two weeks.

During the British colonial rule, indigenous communities played a significant role in resisting oppression. Leaders like Sidhu and Kanu led uprisings, such as the Santhal Rebellion, highlighting their contributions to the anti-colonial struggle. Despite this legacy, Indigenous people in Bangladesh today face challenges in preserving their languages and culture. The government's efforts to include Indigenous languages in preschool education face hurdles like a lack of trained teachers and resources for higher education.

Additionally, the 1957 construction of the Kaptai Dam, funded by USAID and built by the Pakistani government, displaced thousands of people in the hill tracts, submerging their homes and farmlands under the Karnaphuli River, disrupting their livelihoods and cultural connections to the land. This history of displacement and ongoing marginalization continues to affect indigenous communities in Bangladesh.

C. True or False? If False, give the correct information.

1. Bangladesh is home to more than 54 indigenous groups, including the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura.
2. Indigenous groups in Bangladesh speak only a few languages, with most of them being well-preserved.
3. The dominance of Bangla has helped preserve indigenous languages in Bangladesh.
4. Sidhu and Kanu were leaders of uprisings during the British colonial period.
5. The Kaptai Dam, built in 1957, displaced thousands of people in the hill tracts, disrupting their connection to the land.

Here's a formatted version of the text provided, maintaining the original structure:

D. Ask and answer the questions in pairs.

1. In which part of Bangladesh do most indigenous groups live?
2. How many distinct languages do Indigenous groups in Bangladesh speak?
3. What global issue is related to the decline of indigenous languages?
4. What organization warns that many Indigenous languages are disappearing?
5. What has made it difficult for indigenous people to preserve their languages today?