Preserving Sylheti faces challenges such as poverty, lack of recognition, and cultural homogenization. However, there are opportunities to preserve Sylheti through language documentation, education, and community engagement. 

Challenges

• PovertyPoverty contributes to social problems, including lack of access to education and safe drinking water. 
• Lack of recognitionSome say that Bangladesh has not fully embraced Sylheti culture or language. 
• Cultural homogenizationGlobalization and social media expose young people to global cultural products, which can lead to the loss of local traditions. 

Opportunities

• Language documentationDocumenting the language can help preserve it. 
• EducationTeaching in the Sylheti language can help preserve it and give people the opportunity to learn it themselves. 
• Community engagementInvolving speakers in research can raise awareness of the importance of preserving the language. 
• Community-based initiativesOrganizations like ECDO are working to preserve the language and culture of indigenous communities in Bangladesh. 

Additional information

• Sylheti is a language with its own distinct identity, influenced by historical events, religious diversity, and migration. 
• Sylheti was known as the language of the Surma Valley in the 6th century AD. It used a distinct script called Nagari.