Published on 12:00 AM, February 20, 2020

The Bangla dictionary we want

A search on Google for 'dictionary' gives us results for various dictionaries, each with its unique characteristics. Looking for Bangla dictionaries, however, yields far less satisfactory results. While there are many great Bangla dictionaries in print form, we are yet to have a Bangla dictionary that makes good use of all the different options we can explore online. Below are some suggestions for what features a good online Bangla dictionary could have:

Basics

You've likely seen plenty of online dictionaries already having these, but rarely are all of them in one site. The list includes things such as synonyms, antonyms, translations, etymologies, examples in a sentence, usage of words in famous speeches or quotes, pronunciation, information on how words came to have different meanings in different times, the option to ask questions, tips on how to remember a word, custom made quizzes to help you learn a group of words you keep forgetting, etc.

Diagrams and labelled illustrations

Remember when you had to learn about the formation of a hurricane for your 7th grade Geography class? Imagine how much more difficult that would be to study if you didn't have accompanying diagrams and pictures. Similarly, diagrams and labelled illustrations of everyday objects, machines, and even concepts, would not only make it easier for us to better understand a word, especially in science where one might need to know about the different parts of equipment among many other things, but would also make it more engaging and easier to remember.

Popular words of today

You'll often see online dictionaries have a section focusing on words that are trending. With the usage of social media, we frequently see new words being created and gaining popularity and old words having renewed significance or taking on a different meaning. It is therefore important that we pay attention to what words gain popularity at a particular time, not just because documenting these might be an important source for future generations studying us in the future but because learning about how and why certain words become popular might give us valuable information about our present times as well. 

 

Aliza is Matilda resurrected. Reach her at aliza.hridula@gmail.com