ABSTRACT
The justification for studying sociolinguistics in the context of Bangladesh is the main focus of this introductory chapter of Language in Society in Bangladesh and Beyond: Voices of the Unheard in the Global South. It delves into the historical, political, social, and cultural trajectories of different languages in Bangladesh, providing a foundation for a deeper understanding of the multifaceted factors that influence language choices and practices in various socio-cultural, political, formal, and informal domains. The chapter also reviews the research conducted on sociolinguistics in Bangladesh since its independence in 1971, drawing attention to diverse topics. Furthermore, the chapter provides an overview of the chapters presented in the volume and discusses critical issues related to language and society, with a specific focus on bilingualism, diglossia, language variations in formal and informal domains, construction of identity, and localisation and globalisation of linguistic and cultural resources. Thus, the chapter unravels the complex yet intriguing landscape of sociolinguistics in Bangladesh and the ways scholars and researchers in Bangladesh make sense of the voices that often remain unheard in society.
