Language shifting among Dhaka’s Bihari minority across generations

Abstract

This research highlights the language change process in the daily lives of Urdu-speaking Biharis of Dhaka. The daily shift of language affects people's public life is examined through qualitative research methods in this study. It also focuses on language as not just a means of communication for humans, but rather it is used as a tool for survival. Biharis have to change their language to survive socially , politically and economically in their daily lives across generations, and the impact this language has on their lives is shown here. It also highlighted the Bihari minority’s current state of language shifting, discrimination and problems those faced outside their residence, deprived from basic human rights and the process of language change/shift in different generations.