‘Mahale Voices’ launched at IUB to preserve endangered Mahale language

Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has launched a groundbreaking research-based book titled Mahale Voices, dedicated to preserving the endangered Mahale language spoken by the Mahale community in the Rajshahi region.

The book was unveiled on October 29, at the DMK Lecture Gallery on the IUB campus.

Jointly published by IUB and Adorn Publication, Mahale Voices is authored by Towhid Bin Muzaffar, Assistant Professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages at IUB, with co-authors writer and researcher Haroonuzzaman and Mahale community member Santosh Hemrom. The event was organized by IUB's Sasheen Center for Multilingual Excellence (SCMLE) and the Department of English and Modern Languages.

The SCMLE focuses on documenting and preserving Bangladesh's endangered and lesser-used languages. The book features 26 folk stories and 24 poems of the Mahale community, presented in Mahale, Bangla, and English. As the Mahale language has no written script, the researchers used Roman letters for documentation—a process that took more than three years to complete.

"Our work ensures that the Mahale language is documented through the voices of its own people," said lead author Towhid Bin Muzaffar. "The stories and poems in this book reflect authentic community narratives rather than outsider interpretations. By bringing these voices forward, we are helping preserve their identity for global audiences."

Co-author Haroonuzzaman described the book as "both a celebration and a call to action," urging readers to recognize the importance of protecting linguistic heritage. "Preserving languages is preserving our shared humanity," he said.

Mahale co-author Santosh Hemrom shared his pride in the project, saying, "This is the first book in our language. We tried to create an alphabet for it. It is our history and identity written for the world to see."

According to UNESCO's Language Vitality and Endangerment framework (2003), languages become endangered when they are no longer passed down to younger generations. The Mahale language faces this risk as speakers increasingly shift to dominant languages for education and employment.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Bokhtiar Ahmed, UNESCO Chair in Language Ecology and Director of SCMLE, said, "This book builds a bridge among languages by placing Mahale at the center, with Bangla and English alongside. Such efforts help younger generations connect their mother tongues with national and international languages."

The launch ceremony was attended by IUB Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Tamim; Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel W. Lund; Dr. Naureen Rahnuma, Head of the Department of English and Modern Languages; Samar Soren, Member of UNESCO's Global Taskforce; Mahale community leader Sisti Tudu; Dr. Mustafa Kamal Akand, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Rajshahi; and Syed Zakir Hussain, Chief Editor and Publisher of Adorn Publication.

Mahale Voices stands as a vital contribution to Bangladesh's linguistic diversity, serving as both a cultural archive and a beacon for preserving endangered indigenous languages.