http://hdl.handle.net/10361/42 2013-06-19T19:21:32Z http://hdl.handle.net/10361/557 A cultural explanatory model for white discharge amongst women in Kakboo village, Bangladesh Singh, Manjula; Khan, Rumana Jesmin This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study of women's perceptions of white discharge among women of NagPara, Kakaboo village, including local terms, women's perceptions of etiology, associated symptoms and health seeking pathways and factors that influence treatment-seeking behavior. Women’s perception of white discharge is embedded in the reproductive process and unfavorable gender norms related to their everyday realities of life. While 60% women recognized marriage and heavy workload as the root cause of white discharge, others attributed white discharge to external factors like hot weather. Over 50% women co-related physical symptoms of white discharge with their overall family and village situation and the consequences were attributed not only to physical but also mental, socio-cultural and sexual elements. Culture of silence, women’s autonomy, competing priorities and factors such as accessibility and affordability were some of the socio-cultural and economic factors that shaped women’s decision to seek treatment. Though women reported white discharge as the most common illness, women may not have confirmed infection and there is a strong possibility that some of these physical complaints represent underlying psychological and social conflicts. It therefore becomes important for health practitioners to be aware of cultural explanatory model of white discharge, to promote improved clinical outcomes and better doctor-patient communication. 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10361/556 The rural Bangladeshi courtyard Ahmed, K. Iftekhar In rural settlements of the predominant floodplains of Bangladeshi, an intrinsic component is the extended family homestead. The layout of the homestead is defined by the courtyard, formed by the arrangement of dwelling units and ancillary building around an open space. Specific building typologies prevail, in terms of design, construction and building materials. Some typical types of courtyard can be observed, but there are also variations to these types. The courtyard has important physical and functional characteristics derived from the climatic requirements and living patterns. Nonetheless, particularly in this predominantly Muslim society, the cultural aspect of respecting women’s privacy is an important factor behind the development of this archetype. However, other communities living in the floodplains also have courtyards, suggesting that it is also a regional archetype. The archetypal courtyard is subject to transformation or elimination due to social, economic and environmental changes. If this trend becomes widespread, it would signal the loss of an important and long-lasting regional expression that has resulted from blending of culture, climate and nature. 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10361/555 Interpreting the Morphology of the central cruciform structure of Sompur Mahavihara, Paharpur; A cognitive approach Rashid, Md. Mizanur The ruins of Sompur Mahavihara at Paharpur are the earliest evidence of conscious architecture in Bengali soil. From the nature of existing archaeological remains demonstrate a conscious attempt of space creation with symbolic and metaphoric meaning is clearly discernible. The missing superstructure of the central cruciform mound draws the attention of most of the scholarly studies on this particular monastic complex. The reason is the fragmentary nature of archaeological evidences and the lack of substantial epigraphic records that work as the main thicket to reveal a continuous narrative of architectural characteristics of this structure. This paper is intended to address this lacuna from a different perspective. It attempts to delve deeper on the cognitive process through which the seemingly complicated design of this structure is conceived and materialized. 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10361/554 Teaching language from literature background: bringing the best of two worlds Karim, Shuchi; Zaman, Tabassum Teaching English Foundation courses at the undergraduate level by teachers from literature background is a common scenario in the private universities of Bangladesh. Though there have been debates regarding the appropriateness and eligibility of literature teachers teaching language courses, one must recognize the fact that the basic problem is that of high demand and low supply of good language teachers. This paper addresses some of these much-debated issues, and also explores the possibilities of a more integrated teaching approach, which not only allows a literature-to-language shift but also makes the best use of the skills of teachers from a literature background, and investigates whether this exchange is salubrious enough to complement the purpose of language teaching.1 Because of the limited scope of this paper, we will limit our discussion within the boundaries of private universities and will base it on our own teaching experience within a similar background. 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z