Bengali
Speakable offers advanced tools to support your language learners, including text-to-speech (TTS), speech-to-text (STT), and large language models (LLMs). Learn about the availability of these features.
Text-to-Speech (TTS)
TTS voices available from user's operating system
Text-to-Speech technology converts written text into spoken words. In Speakable, it is primarily used in “Repeat” actions and media blocks added by teachers. Amazon Polly provides high-quality voices for many languages, while operating system voices are used when Amazon Polly voices are unavailable.
Speech-to-Text (STT)
Available in Chrome browser
Speech-to-Text technology converts spoken words into written text. This functionality is used in “Repeat” actions to check pronunciation accuracy and in spoken responses for free response actions. Speakable leverages Google Chrome’s Web Speech API, which supports many languages for client-side applications.
Translation
Available
Translation functionality provides translations of the target language text into the student’s native language. This feature is used in “Repeat” actions to display the translation after the student completes the action. Speakable utilizes Google Translate to support a vast array of languages for text translation.
Large Language Model (LLM)
Available and likely to perform well
Large Language Models are used for processing text and providing feedback. In Speakable, LLMs are applied in free response actions for auto-grading and feedback. OpenAI’s models support numerous languages, enabling comprehensive feedback and auto-grading capabilities.
Public Activity Library
Available
The Speakable public activity library is a dynamic and growing collection of educational activities crafted by educators from around the globe. This library offers a diverse array of ready-to-use activities, designed to engage students and enhance their learning experiences. Educators can explore, share, and adapt these activities to suit their unique classroom needs, fostering a collaborative and innovative teaching community

Global Reach and Number of Speakers

Bengali, also known as Bangla, is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by approximately 230 million native speakers, making it the seventh most spoken language in the world. When including second-language speakers, the number exceeds 300 million. Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh and one of the 22 scheduled languages of India, with significant speakers in the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam.

Historical Background

Bengali has a rich and ancient history, with its roots tracing back to the Sanskritic and Magadhi Prakrit languages spoken in the Bengal region. The evolution of the language can be divided into three main periods:

Old Bengali (900-1400 AD): The earliest form of Bengali, with notable works like the “Charyapada,” a collection of Buddhist mystic songs.

Middle Bengali (1400-1800 AD): Marked by the influence of Persian and Arabic due to the Islamic rule in Bengal. Significant literary works include “Shreekrishna Kirtan” and the “Mangal-Kāvya” genre.

Modern Bengali (1800 AD - Present): Developed during the Bengali Renaissance, a period of cultural, social, and literary revival. Pioneering figures like Rabindranath Tagore, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, played a crucial role in shaping modern Bengali literature and language.

Geographical Distribution

Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh, spoken by nearly the entire population of over 160 million people. In India, Bengali is predominantly spoken in the state of West Bengal, which has a population of around 91 million, and in Tripura and Assam, where there are substantial Bengali-speaking communities.

Beyond South Asia, Bengali-speaking diaspora communities exist in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the Middle East, contributing to the global spread of the language.

Cultural Significance and Influence

Bengali culture has a profound influence on literature, music, film, and the arts. Bengali literature is renowned for its richness and diversity, encompassing poetry, prose, and drama. The works of Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay are celebrated for their literary excellence and contributions to global literature.

Bengali music, including Rabindra Sangeet (songs written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore), Nazrul Geeti (songs of Kazi Nazrul Islam), and Baul folk music, has a unique and soulful appeal. The vibrant tradition of Bengali cinema, with directors like Satyajit Ray, who received an honorary Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement, has made significant contributions to world cinema.

Bengali festivals, such as Durga Puja, Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), and Eid, reflect the region’s cultural diversity and rich heritage.

Dialects and Variations

Bengali is characterized by several regional dialects, which can vary significantly in pronunciation, vocabulary, and syntax. The main dialect groups include:

Western Bengali Dialects: Spoken in West Bengal, India, with Kolkata Bengali being the most prominent.

Eastern Bengali Dialects: Spoken in Bangladesh, with Dhaka Bengali being widely recognized.

Southwestern and Northern Dialects: Variations found in regions like Khulna and Sylhet.

Despite these dialectal differences, Standard Bengali, based on the dialect spoken in Kolkata, serves as the standard for formal communication, media, and education in both Bangladesh and West Bengal.

Learning Bengali

Bengali is considered a relatively accessible language for learners familiar with other Indo-Aryan languages due to its shared linguistic features. The Bengali script, derived from the Brahmi script, consists of 50 letters and is written from left to right.

Bengali grammar features subject-object-verb (SOV) word order, similar to other Indo-Aryan languages. The language has a rich system of verb conjugations, postpositions, and honorifics that can pose challenges to learners but are systematic and logical.

Numerous resources are available for learning Bengali, including formal education programs, online courses, language apps, and cultural immersion experiences in Bangladesh and West Bengal.

Conclusion

Bengali is a language with a deep cultural heritage and significant global presence. Its rich literary tradition, diverse dialects, and vibrant cultural expressions make it a fascinating language to learn. Mastery of Bengali opens doors to understanding the complexities of Bengali literature, music, and traditions, offering valuable opportunities for travel, business, and cultural enrichment. Whether for academic, professional, or personal reasons, learning Bengali provides a unique and rewarding experience.

Can’t find the what you’re looking for?
Connect with our friendly team.