Do some preliminary research on what most interests you about the target culture, and describe how this topic relates to language. Do you need any special vocabulary or linguistic knowledge to engage this topic? If so, have you included objectives in your learning plan to engage this topic?
The concept that most interests me in the Bangladeshi culture is kinship. I highly value my family and they are one of the main reasons why I am trying to learn the language, so developing an understanding of the different dynamics in a family would be valuable. In Bengali, there are different names for everyone in one’s family. In addition, one’s extended family members—aunts, uncles, cousins—are considered to be a lot closer than what is viewed in the American culture. I think I would have benefited if my entire family, both maternal and paternal sides, lived in the States. It would be nice to learn the specific names of each member so I can show respect and demonstrate my knowledge of the language appropriately when I go to Bangladesh. I have spoken to a few family members in Bengali and have slowly transitioned into calling them their designated names. For instance, my mom’s sisters are “called khala” and my dad’s sister is called “phupi.”
My learning goal for this week is creating a list of words that are in Bengali. I have made a Quizlet with 100 words so far and I study it multiple times in a day. I also went over the list with my learning partner so I can pronounce them appropriately.
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