Indigenous Language Loss and the Decline of Traditional Sports among Ethnic Communities in Bangladesh

Abstract

Traditional sports and indigenous games are integral components of cultural identity, socialization, and physical education among ethnic communities. In Bangladesh, many traditional sports are transmitted through indigenous languages that encode rules, techniques, and cultural meanings. This study examines how indigenous language loss contributes to the decline of traditional sports among ethnic communities in Bangladesh. Using a qualitative analytical approach based on existing empirical and cultural studies, the paper explores changes in the transmission of indigenous sports knowledge, participation patterns, and cultural valuation of traditional physical activities. The findings indicate that language loss disrupts intergenerational transmission of sports practices, reduces community participation, and weakens the cultural significance of indigenous games. The study highlights the importance of integrating language preservation into physical education and community-based sports programs to sustain indigenous sports heritage. These findings contribute to discussions on cultural sustainability, physical education, and indigenous knowledge systems.