A positive effect of colonial transformation on Bengali Literature
Throughout history, cultures and languages from different regions have exchanged and enhanced each other. As an effect of colonial rule, for a lengthy time of 190 years, the English language and culture have blended up with Indian languages and cultures. And as the entire education system was designed by the British, there was an obvious influence of English. And in the case of Bengal, it was the primary centre of British rule, so the cultural effect was at an extravagant level. As an effect, so many English words have been included in the Bengali dictionary. Let's have a look.
Lantern
The concept of Lantern was introduced to India by the British. Before that, there was the use of Jharbati, Kupi, Diya etc., for light. The word has been included in Bengali vocabulary as 'Lanthan'.
Doctor
Before the British period, one who used to treat people was called Badyi or Hakim, depending upon their religion. The medical treatment was completely dependent on nature. The concept of advanced medical science and Doctor came from the West. In Bengali, the Doctors are called 'Daktar’.
Vote
Same as the above ones, it was also a new concept brought by the British. However, there was not a democratic state under British rule. The voting system was only allowed inside the Parties and Organisations. The word has been incorporated without any change.
Bank
Same as the other cases, a completely new concept. It was adapted in Bengali with no change.
Jail
The jail was called ‘Karagar’ in Bengali before the British arrival.
Cup
The type of cups we use now are imported from British culture. Before this, there was a different type of cup used in Bengal called ‘Peyala’. The word came into Bengali as ‘Cup’ itself.
Hospital
This was also a new concept brought about by the British. In Bengali, the word has been adapted as 'Hospital'.
Police
The word was converted to 'Pulish' when it got included in Bengali. Before the British period, these types of forces were called 'Peyada'.
Office
In Bengali, the Word ‘Office’ was taken as ‘Apis’. Now the word is used as Office itself.
Chair
People used to call it ‘Kedara’ before the British cultural effect. It has been adapted as ‘Chair’.
Box
Its Bengali adaptation is ‘Baksa’.
Glass
Same as others. Taken with no change.
School
The concept was termed as ‘Pathshala’ or ‘Tol’ before the British period. The present school system is a complete system designed by the British.
There are so many other words that have been included.
