Community and Policy Approaches for Revitalizing Endangered Ethnic Languages in Bangladesh

Abstract

Indigenous languages in Bangladesh continue to decline due to limited institutional support, policy neglect, and the dominance of Bengali in formal domains. While national frameworks mention cultural diversity, their implementation often excludes practical strategies for language preservation. This study explores how community service, non-governmental organization (NGO) involvement, and policy reform can intersect to revitalize endangered ethnic languages. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions in Sherpur Sadar Upazila, the study examines how community-led initiatives operate alongside or in the absence of state support. Results show strong grassroots engagement in informal language education but highlight persistent barriers such as inadequate funding, lack of formal recognition, and digital infrastructure challenges. The study proposes that sustainable language preservation requires institutional reforms, targeted resource allocation, and collaborative partnerships between government and local communities. This paper contributes to understanding how multi-level coordination can support linguistic diversity and empower ethnic communities across Bangladesh.