Did you know that Bengali, the language hailing from West Bengal in India and Bangladesh, is the sixth most spoken Indo-Aryan language in the world with more than 230 million speakers? But did you also know that it is the number one immigrant language spoken in the UK? Wow!
That’s why mastering the Bengali alphabet will open a window to interact with millions of people, learn about their culture, and embrace their literature, poetry, and music. It will allow you to read and appreciate classical works from poets like Rabindranath Tagore, contemporary literature, and much more. So, let’s learn more about it!
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The Bengali Alphabet
The Bengali alphabet originates from the Brahmi script, which evolved through the Gupta and Siddham scripts. This makes it a part of the larger family of Indo-Aryan writing systems. The Bengali script, or Bangla Barnamala, is the starting point for understanding Bengali culture, literature, and communication.
In this guide, I’ll share with you the details of the Bengali alphabet, its structure, and some learning tips.
The Structure Of The Bengali Alphabet
The Bengali script has fifty letters, of which 11 are vowels (Sworoborno), and 39 are consonants (Byanjonborno). It is an abugida script which means that each character represents a consonant with an inherent vowel sound that can be modified with diacritics (matras).
Vowels – Sworoborno (স্বরবর্ণ)
There are 11 Bengali vowels that can be written independently or as modifiers to consonants. These vowels are essential to forming syllables. Here is a list of the Sworoborno in the Bengali script.
Consonants – Byanjonborno (ব্যঞ্জনবর্ণ)
As mentioned, there are 39 Bengali consonants. Here is the list of Byanjonborno in the Bengali script.
Consonant | Pronunciation | Sound |
---|---|---|
ক | k | |
খ | kh | |
গ | g | |
ঘ | gh | |
ঙ | ng | |
চ | ch | |
ছ | chh | |
জ | j | |
ঝ | jh | |
ঞ | ny | |
ট | t | |
ঠ | dh | |
ড | d | |
ঢ | dh | |
ণ | n | |
ট | t | |
থ | th | |
দ | d | |
ধ | dh | |
ন | n | |
প | p | |
ফ | ph | |
ব | b | |
ভ | bh | |
ম | m | |
য | j | |
র | r | |
ল | l | |
শ | sh | |
ষ | sh | |
স | s | |
হ | h | |
য় | y | |
ড় | r | |
ঢ় | rh | |
ঃ | h | |
ঁ | chandrabindu | |
ক্ষ | khsh |
Consonant – Vowel Combination
As we know, consonants and vowels form syllables. So by learning these combinations, you will be able to construct smoother words and sentences.
Here are some examples.
Inherent Vowel
In the Bengali script, every consonant contains a naturally associated vowel called the ‘o,’ which is pronounced like the ‘o’ in ‘hot.’ This vowel can be altered or deleted by adding vowel diacritics.
Tips For Learning The Bengali Alphabet
If you are planning to learn the Bengali alphabet, it might look very confusing at the beginning, but you can master it with a little practice! Here are a few practical tips:
1. Practice Typing In Bengali
Typing in the script you’re learning can help you memorize the alphabet in the shortest time possible. If possible, try to practice the characters with the help of Google Input Tools or Bengali typing applications. Typing exercises can also be helpful to memorize the Bengali script.
2. Learn Through Context
When learning letters, it’s useful to use them in forming words. For instance, try to write and pronounce easy Bengali vocabulary. Connecting letters with their sounds and meanings will help you understand them.
3. Use Tools And Apps
Many online tools, applications, and flashcards can help you learn. Some of them, such as the Ling app, can be used for learning the Bengali script as the app offers a unique finger-tracing method to learn to write the Bengali alphabet. Not only that, Ling also provides notes on grammar and level-appropriate vocabulary to help you progress steadily. The Ling app also offers practice, tests, and pronunciation exercises.
How Do You Say ‘Alphabet’ In Bengali?
The Bengali ‘alphabet’ is known as bornomala (বর্ণমালা) and can be pronounced as bor-no-mala.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Bengali Alphabet
1. How Many Letters Are There In The Bengali Alphabet?
The Bengali script has 50 letters in total, 11 of which are vowels and 39 consonants.
2. Who Is The Father Of The Bengali alphabet?
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is the father of the modern Bengali alphabet.
3. How Can One Learn The Bengali Script?
First of all, it’s necessary to work with independent vowels and consonants. Concentrate on practicing the use of vowel marks as well as consonant clusters. In addition, install language learning apps, do some typing exercises, and try to practice reading Bengali texts to get familiar with the language.
Are You Prepared To Practice The Bengali Alphabet With Ling?
Mastering the Bengali alphabet will allow you to discover an interesting culture, improve your communication, and expand your circle of friends among the Bengali people. If you’re learning the language, it’s beneficial to spend some time learning the script, whether for business or personal purposes.
You can start today by downloading the Ling app and practicing a few letters daily. What’s more, supplement your learning by reading about Bengali grammar, nouns, pronouns, and prepositions on the Ling blog. You’ll be able to read and write in one of the most beautiful scripts in the world!