Baroghoria, a village located along the Teesta river in Lalmonirhat’s Aditmari upazila, serves as the backdrop for a conversation between two elderly farmers who have deep roots in the area.
Rafiz Uddin, aged 65, laments the impact of the cold weather on his tobacco plants and his tattered shirt, revealing his financial struggles. Meanwhile, Azizul Islam, aged 60, shares his own challenges, including familial disobedience and the demanding routine of a farmer’s life.
The exchange between these farmers is conducted in Ampuria, a unique regional language specific to Rangpur that is distinct from standard Bangla. This dialogue not only highlights the daily hardships of agricultural life but also sheds light on the gradual disappearance of this language.
While individuals above 50 in the village still converse in Ampuria, the language is rarely heard within households, leading to a generational disconnect. The linguistic disparities between Ampuria and Bangla are evident in words like ‘Anga’ for shirt, ‘Muchipod’ for danger, ‘Chowa’ for child, and ‘Nin’ for sleep.
The dwindling usage of Ampuria is evident as younger generations struggle to comprehend the language. Notably, Rafiz Uddin’s son, Belal Hossain, a 40-year-old farmer, finds it challenging to understand Ampuria but easily communicates in standard Bangla, underscoring the widening linguistic gap.
Historically, Ampuria and Rajbanshi were recognized as prominent regional languages during the British rule, with Ampuria being prevalent in the Rangpur region of Bangladesh. However, contemporary research suggests that only around 30 percent of individuals in the Rangpur region still speak Ampuria.
Authorities like Ashrafuzzaman Mondal Sabuj and Sufi Mohammad emphasize the cultural significance of Ampuria and express concerns over its diminishing presence. They stress the importance of preserving the language by embracing pride in its heritage.
Monjurul Islam, a schoolteacher, acknowledges the fading use of Ampuria and attributes it to changing family attitudes and societal pressures. Younger individuals like Nayan Kumar Sen echo these sentiments, highlighting the stigma associated with speaking regional languages and the subsequent decline in usage.
Despite the challenges faced by Ampuria, its legacy endures through folk traditions like Bhawaiya music. Bhupati Bhushan Barma, a Bhawaiya researcher, emphasizes the importance of this musical genre in preserving Ampuria, warning of the language’s fate if Bhawaiya fades away.
In conclusion, the sentiment of older residents like 80-year-old Suresh Chandra Barman reflects the emotional attachment to Ampuria, describing it as a cherished but vanishing language. Amidst the threats to its survival, advocates like Bhupati remain committed to nurturing Ampuria through music, ensuring its legacy lives on.
