- Bengali⇄adj. of Bengal, its people, or their language.
- Bengali⇄Bengali, adjective, noun, pl.-lis(for 1, no pl. for 2.)
- Bengali⇄noun 1. a native of Bengal.
2. the Indic language of Bengal, a modern Indo-European language.
Bengali
Part of Speech
Adjective / Noun
Pronunciation
/bɪŋˈɡɑːli/
Definitions
- Relating to Bengal, its people, language, or culture.
- The language spoken by the people of Bengal, Bangladesh, and parts of India.
- A person from Bengal, typically speaking the Bengali language.
Usage Examples
- The Bengali language has a rich literary tradition.
- Bengali cuisine is famous for its fish and sweets.
Etymology
The word 'Bengali' is derived from 'Bengal,' the historical region of South Asia that encompasses present-day Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, and the suffix '-i,' indicating a connection or association.
Synonyms
- Bangladeshi (in some contexts)
- Bengalese (rarely used)
Antonyms
- Non-Bengali
- Non-Indian (contextual)
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi | बंगाली | /bəŋˈɡaːli/ |
| Spanish | Bengalí | /beŋˈɡali/ |
| French | Bengali | /bɛŋɡali/ |
| Chinese | 孟加拉语 | /mèng jiā lā yǔ/ |
| Arabic | بنغالي | /bɪnˈɡɑːli/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /bɪŋˈɡɑːli/
- American English: /bɪŋˈɡɑːli/
Historical Usage
The term 'Bengali' has been in use since the 18th century, primarily referring to the people of Bengal, and later the language they speak. The word became widely recognized during the British colonial period when the region was known for its cultural contributions, particularly in literature, arts, and education.
Cultural Nuances
Bengali culture is deeply connected with its language, which has produced great literary works such as those by Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Bengali cuisine is celebrated for its diversity, with rice, fish, and sweets like rasgulla being staples. Bengali music, particularly Rabindra Sangeet, plays a key role in cultural expressions.
More Information
Bengali is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with over 230 million speakers. It is the official language of Bangladesh and the state language of West Bengal, India. The Bengali language has a rich literary tradition, which includes both classical and modern literature, poetry, and prose. In addition to being a cultural and linguistic cornerstone of South Asia, Bengali has influenced global literature, arts, and music, making it one of the most influential languages in the world.