Mother's Day is a celebration of the profound bond between mothers and their children, a day dedicated to honouring the love, sacrifices, and unwavering support that mothers provide. Among the myriad of relationships in a mother's life, the connection between a mother and her daughter holds a unique and cherished place. It is a bond woven with threads of understanding, empathy, and shared experiences—a relationship that evolves over time yet remains rooted in unconditional love.
Central to this bond is the mother's language—the language of tradition, culture, and heritage. Across generations, mothers have passed down their native tongue to their daughters, imparting not only linguistic skills but also a deeper connection to their roots. This shared language serves as a bridge that connects past, present, and future, allowing mothers and daughters to communicate not just in words but also in the nuances of shared experiences, values, and emotions.
Talking about strengthening the familial bonds through one’s mother language, Manoshi Barua, a retired journalist from BBC said, “Ensuring my daughter remained connected to her Bengali roots was a priority for me as she grew up in an English-speaking environment. While she naturally picked up English from school and her peers, I was adamant about instilling a strong grasp of Bengali in her.”
“From a young age, I spoke to her exclusively in Bengali at home, emphasising the importance of understanding our language and culture. I highlighted that her ability to converse with her grandmother, who only spoke Bengali, would deepen their bond and enrich her life. Witnessing her bond with her grandmother flourish reinforced the value of bilingualism in her upbringing. As she grew older, her proficiency in Bengali not only strengthened her connection to her roots but also proved invaluable during her travels to India. She expressed gratitude for her ability to communicate with ease in West Bengal, where Bengali is widely spoken, contrasting with the challenges she faced in North India due to her lack of proficiency in Hindi. Her experience underscored the practical importance of bilingualism beyond familial ties, enabling her to navigate everyday interactions and experiences with confidence and ease, “she added.
Speaking about traditions that she and her daughter developed over the years, she said, “My daughter has a remarkable talent for baking, and she often surprises me with her delicious cakes. While she enjoys treating me with her creations, she's also eager to learn the art of cooking Indian dishes, a skill she's picked up from me. It's heartwarming to see her interest in learning my recipes, even insisting that I write them down for her to follow. Our bond has grown stronger over the years, especially since she became a mother herself. My daughter is keen to teach her little one Bengali so she insists that I talk to her in Bengali.”
“My daughter is very passionate about dance, a skill she's honed since her childhood. Her dedication to Bharatanatyam led her to achieve her diploma and perform her Arangetram. As a member of The Tagoreans, the oldest Bengali cultural organisation in the UK, my daughter often performs at our annual programs. While she grasps the grammar of dance, she turns to me for insights into the deeper meanings of Tagore songs, which she incorporates into her choreography. Together, we delve into Tagore's rich literary tradition, translating lyrics and unravelling each word's essence to enrich her performances. This collaborative effort strengthens our bond as mother and daughter,” she added.
Speaking about the piece of advice for other mothers to deepen their bond with their daughters, she said, “For every mother, their child is invaluable. While each parent has their own way of nurturing, fostering an understanding of tradition and culture forms a strong bond between mother and daughter. Providing insight into heritage adds depth to their relationship, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. This shared understanding enriches their lives, creating a legacy of love and cultural heritage across generations.”
“Amar Ekushey”: Bangladeshi diaspora celebrates mother’s language
On the occasion of the International Mother Language Day 2024 and Bangla Language Martyrs’ Day “Amar Ekushey” organised Multilingual Education, the Foundation of learning by Bangladesh High Commission London in partnership with the UK National Commission for UNESCO. Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh was among the distinguished attendees.