I discussed with my peer from Bangladesh how culture shapes our identity. I learned from him about the important role language plays, not only in communication itself but also in recalling its history and pride for the survival of his country. He told me that Bengali was not just a mode of communication for him; it stood for family, or the battle for independence in 1971. He said, “Language is not merely a means of communication; it expresses our history, survival, and culture.”

On my own, I had never thought in that way about language before we spoke. My peer explained that there was a complete paradigm shift after this for the Bengali language, which started being an issue of utmost importance during the fight for independence. It was in 1971, when the people were fighting not only to end colonial rule over themselves but also against the imposition of a foreign language that digged deep into their culture.

To speak Bengali then was as closely associated with being Bengali, and this was the most important struggle for both the individual and the whole country. This was a giant reminder of how language plays such an important role in defining and maintaining a shared identity. As Sheikh Mujibur Rahman explains in his memoir, the language movement was not just a cultural issue but was central to the national struggle for sovereignty (Rahman, 120).

His thoughts on the 1971 language movement made me note how language also becomes important during times of hardship for a country. In Bangladesh, fighting for Bengali was much more than an attempt to keep the language alive. It was a struggle to protect the very right of existence for the country. That fight gave birth to their national identity. By the words of my peer, “Bengali is the heart of Bangladesh, if it dies we die.”

So, nowadays people take pride in the Bengali language and believe that it is one of the sweetest languages in the world. The relationship between language and national pride is an unbroken link passing through generations and is part of the psyche of the Bangladeshi people.

Language is a crucial factor in Bangladesh not only in terms of history but also everyday life in general, encompassing food and clothing. Among modern plays, he entertained traditional foods, such as the famous fish curry, puffed rice, and beef biryani, enjoyed in Bangladesh. He made mention of traditional dress, like lungi worn by many men, including older ones. To me, he enlightened this having in mind that culture constitutes not merely traditionally outdated; it dictates people’s way of living.

There was this friend who shared with me how important it was to respect old people and how family means so much. In many cultures, especially in Bangladesh, elder respect is treated with utmost importance. I learned that weekends are often for family reunions, where everyone eats and gets closer to each other. I understood that such reunions are not merely all about having meals; these reunions strongly build ties among communities in Bangladesh. Family is the single most important thing  in life. Whether it be a grand event or just a get-together for tea, it is essential to be together.

Being a member of the family or society shows how important connections are to societies all over the world. There are values of love, respect, and belongingness that everyone admires. Symbols are strong in the culture of Bangladesh. The language, food, and family gatherings become synonymous with ties. Cultural pride in Bangladesh is not just about food and language; music and sports play a big role, too. Traditional music has its own uniqueness to express joy at events. Cricket is a very big part of Bangladesh, uniting generations and developing community through common interests.

In conversation with my peers I was interested in other perspectives, I gained insight into how important a role culture plays in shaping who we are and how we view the world. I learned that identity is not something one simply chooses for oneself. It is also fashioned by experiences, languages, and traditions that are passed down generations in a given community. My peer said, “Culture is not just about the past; it is a part of our everyday life.”

Language helps in shaping the identity of a country. In “Mother Tongue,” Amy Tan discusses how language has sometimes allowed a group of people to flourish, while at other times robbing them of their subsistence. For example, the Bengali language was important in Bangladesh as people stood up for themselves. The language connects people or makes them feel separated from others. It is building such an idea around language, as seen in my peer’s narrative, where language formed a great deal about the survival and consciousness of a nation.

In summary, talking with my peer from Bangladesh showed me how much culture affects who we are, both as individuals and as a society. Things like language, food, music, and family beliefs are all part of their culture, which helps shape our identities. As we live in a world that is becoming more connected, it’s important to remember to keep and respect the cultures that make us who we are, as they help us feel like we belong.

Secondary Source:

Rahman, Sheikh Mujibur. The Bangladesh Liberation War: The Unfinished Memoir. Translated by Fakrul Alam, The University Press Limited, 2012.

Ai statement:
For my Peer Cultural Op-Ed i used chat gpt to help me organize my draft and make it look presentable. I was confused about where to put my 2 media sources within my text to make my draft look good. Chatgpt guided me on how I should structure my draft. Also I used chat gpt to properly cite my secondary source in mla format and asked where to put it.