The Rohingya language is more than just a means of communication, it is a symbol of identity, resilience, and the enduring struggle of a stateless people.
From refugee camps in Bangladesh to diasporas across the globe, the language serves as a foundation for preserving the Rohingya community’s history, culture, and social solidarity.
Beyond its vocabulary and literature lies a deeper story of endurance, collective identity, and the fight to preserve cultural existence amid complex political and social pressures.
To truly understand the role of the Rohingya language as both a cultural symbol and a tool of survival, we must explore its history, linguistic features, and preservation efforts in the modern era.
The History and Origins of the Rohingya Language
The Rohingya language has a long and rich history rooted in the cultural exchanges and migrations of the Arakan region (now Rakhine State in Myanmar) extending into Bangladesh and neighboring countries.
It has been influenced by Burmese, Chittagonian, Arabic, and Persian due to trade and the spread of Islam in the region.
Over time, the language evolved from an oral tradition to a written one, used in religious texts, community documents, and everyday communication. This transition played a crucial role in preserving the community’s traditions, religious teachings, and history.
In the 20th century, informal education initiatives emerged in villages and refugee camps, with printed materials such as textbooks and brochures helping younger generations learn their mother tongue and its cultural values.
Community-based media projects also helped strengthen literacy and promote the use of the language in daily life, literature, and education; keeping the culture alive amid displacement and migration.
Although similar to Chittagonian in some aspects, the Rohingya language maintains its own phonology and vocabulary, distinguishing it from Burmese and serving as a key marker of ethnic identity and cultural solidarity.
Read also: Emerging Trends in Myanmar's Halal Food Market: Opportunities for Growth
Linguistic Features and Uniqueness of the Rohingya Language
The Rohingya language is notable for its unique phonological patterns and loanwords from Arabic and Persian. It can be written in both Arabic and Latin scripts, allowing flexibility and accessibility across various communities.
Its vocabulary is rich with expressions that reflect social life, traditions, and religious practices, connecting language to everyday experiences and moral values.
This linguistic uniqueness not only preserves the community’s heritage but also reinforces their collective identity, distinguishing the Rohingya people from other ethnic groups in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Rohingya Language as a Symbol of Identity and Culture
The Rohingya language plays a vital role in maintaining the cultural continuity and collective memory of the community. Through language, the Rohingya express their experiences, traditions, and the wisdom passed down through generations.
It also serves as a medium for literature, poetry, and song; art forms that strengthen cultural pride and raise awareness of the community’s history and struggles.
In informal education and digital learning, the language is used to teach children about family heritage, social norms, and community values, nurturing pride and solidarity within the Rohingya diaspora.
Read also: Three Southeast Asian Countries Are in Top 10 Most Generous Nations 2018
Challenges and Preservation Efforts
Preserving the Rohingya language faces immense challenges, including mass displacement, systemic discrimination, and limited access to formal education. Many young Rohingya grow up in refugee camps or host countries where dominant languages overshadow their mother tongue.
However, numerous NGOs, linguists, and international institutions have taken steps to document and preserve the language through dictionaries, online courses, educational materials, and social media initiatives.
These projects not only promote literacy but also help maintain a sense of identity and belonging in the digital era.
The Future of the Rohingya Language in the Digital Age
The digital era brings new opportunities for the revitalization of the Rohingya language. Social media platforms, educational videos, blogs, and language apps allow the community to connect globally and share their literature and culture.
Language digitization projects also provide international recognition and legitimacy to the Rohingya’s cultural identity, supporting their right to education and communication in their native tongue.
Young Rohingya are at the forefront of this revival, creating online content (stories, songs, and educational videos) that not only sustain the language but also raise global awareness about their heritage and resilience.
Read also: Myanmar and the Importance of Stability in the Region
The Rohingya Language: Foundation of Identity and Resilience
The Rohingya language is the foundation of a stateless nation’s identity, preserving its history, culture, and social unity against the odds.
Through language, the Rohingya people express their collective experience, build social connections, and defend their human right to communicate, learn, and create in their mother tongue.
Supporting the preservation of the Rohingya language means helping future generations protect their cultural legacy. Through literacy, documentation, and education, we can all contribute to ensuring that the Rohingya story remains alive and respected across the world.
References
- France-Presse, A. (2017). Language of the Rohingya to be digitised: "It legitimises the struggle." https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/19/language-rohingya-digitised-legitimises-struggle
- Rohingya Center (2022). Why Rohingya Language Is a Barrier? https://www.rohingyacentre.ca/start-a-fundraiser-for-yourself/
- Rohingya Post (2012). Rohingya Language. https://www.rohingyapost.com/rohingya-language
