Bangladesh Computer Council seminar addresses standardization of Bengali language and terminology in technology sector
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The Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) hosted a seminar titled “Standard Style Guide Lecture-3” in Dhaka on Monday, focusing on the standardization of the Bengali language, the development of technology-friendly fonts, and the scientific coordination of terminology. The event, held at the ICT Tower in Agargaon, was organized under the “Enrichment of Bengali Language in Information Technology through Research and Development” project of the ICT Division.
The keynote speaker, Sajjad Sharif, Executive Editor of Prothom Alo, addressed the session on the theme of “Bengali Language: Terminology, Transliteration, and Fonts.” Sharif underscored the limitations of higher education in Bangladesh, noting that the failure to shift to Bengali as the medium for higher studies has hindered the development of academic terminology. He advocated for the establishment of a permanent linguistic commission in Bangladesh, similar to those in other developed nations, to document new terminology and set standardized linguistic criteria to prevent public confusion caused by the inconsistent use of terms.
Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam highlighted the deteriorating quality of language in secondary-level textbooks, particularly religious texts. He criticized the modern trend of artificially inserting direct Arabic terms into textbooks, arguing that this disrupts the natural linguistic evolution of Bengali. He explained that historically, Arabic words entered the language through Persian and Hindustani, undergoing morphological and phonological shifts that integrated seamlessly into Bengali, a balance he claims is currently being lost.
Renowned educator and translator Khalikuzzaman Elias discussed the intersection of artificial intelligence and translation ethics. While acknowledging the utility of AI in editing and refining translations, he cautioned against relying on automated tools for full translations, labeling such practices as ethically questionable. Drawing from his 15 years of translation experience, he stressed the necessity of human diligence, comparing the temptation of AI to the cautionary tale of a cat guarding a bowl of milk.
The project director, Md. Mahbub Karim, delivered the welcome address, while the executive editor of the “Bengali Style Guide,” Mamun Ur Rashid, moderated the event. Rashid noted that the BCC is working to set standardized benchmarks for romanization, transcription, and font design through this series of lectures, which previously featured experts Jacob Thomas and Dr. Ahmad Shamim.
The seminar concluded with an open discussion involving prominent academics and language experts, including representatives from Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Brac University, alongside officials from the National Book Center and various publishing and digital platforms. The participants explored further strategies for linguistic reform and the preservation of standard Bengali within the digital landscape.
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