Do Bangladeshis Get Offended when Called Bengalis?
Introduction
The terms Bangladeshi and Bengali often get conflated, leading to confusion and occasionally even offense. Bangladeshi refers to the citizens of Bangladesh, encompassing all ethnic groups, while Bengali refers to the ethnic group primarily speaking Bengali (Bangla) and associated with the cultural and historical heritage of the Bengal region, which includes both Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. This article explores whether Bangladeshis feel offended when labeled Bengali.
Contextual Understanding
The terms and identities
Some Bangladeshis may feel that being called…
The Ethnical Identity Perspective
Understanding the term Bengali from an ethnical identity viewpoint, the term encompasses a broader range of people. Individuals from the Bengal region, both in Bangladesh and West Bengal, are considered Bengali by their ethnic heritage. This includes the Bengali speaking communities of Calcutta, West Bengal, and Dhaka, Bangladesh. Consequently, while a person from Calcutta is Bengali in ethnic terms, they are Indian in nationality. Conversely, a person from Dhaka is Bengali by ethnic heritage but Bangladeshi in nationality. This distinction highlights the importance of context when using these terms.
Observations and Personal Experiences
Based on my personal observation and experience, the majority of Bangladeshis do not take offense when referred to as Bengali. From an ethnical perspective, we are indeed Bengali, and this positive identification should not cause harm or distress to anyone. However, it is crucial to recognize that ‘Bengali’ can also encompass people from West Bengal, India.
From a state identity perspective, any individual from Bangladesh is considered Bangladeshi. In frequent social and professional contexts, I have observed that the term ‘Bangladeshi’ is used interchangeably with Bengali, and this practice aligns with the majority's preference. Moreover, my adibashi non-Bengali relatives do not feel offended when referred to as Bengali, further reinforcing the widespread acceptance of this term.
Usage and Application
It is generally safer to use the term ‘Bangladeshi’ when referring to the citizens of Bangladesh, particularly in formal or governmental contexts. However, in casual and non-conflictive settings, both terms—Bangladeshi and Bengali—are widely used and accepted. For those concerned about causing offense, using the term ‘Bangladeshi’ ensures that you correctly identify the citizen of the country without conflating ethnic and national identities.
Conclusion
While some may feel a sense of identity and preference for being labeled as Bengali, the larger and more accepting majority of Bangladeshis do not take offense when referred to as Bengali. Understanding these nuances can help in respectfully engaging with people from the region and avoiding potential misunderstandings or offense.
By recognizing the differences and the contexts in which these terms are used, we can foster a better understanding and respect for the complex identity associated with the Bengal region.