How languages changed my life:
Learning new languages has been transformative for me, offering a window into other people’s cultures, thoughts, emotions, and histories.
My journey with languages even led me to Windsor Castle, where I had the immense honour of meeting King Charles and receiving an MBE.
Nelson Mandela is credited with saying, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”
My journey with languages
My language journey began in primary school, where I learned my mother tongue, Bangla. In my early years, I focused on mastering the Bangla alphabet, expanding my vocabulary, and building confidence through interactions with classmates and teachers. At the age of eight, I began learning English. Though I memorised basic words, opportunities to practice conversational English were limited.
After marriage, I decided to move UK with my wife, where language skills would play a key role in my life. The lack of English prevented me from pursuing a Masters in Sociology, which was a lifelong dream of mine.
However, this did not deter me, and I volunteered to work with Sunderland University on the English for foreign students. The university wanted to diversify its student cohort and this arrangement allowed me to enrol in an English course free of charge. I will be forever grateful to my tutor, Dr Felicity Breat for giving me this opportunity, as without it I would not have been able to further my career in education.
Although my English skills were now a level where I could apply for jobs, they were not at the standard needed to pursue vocations in my field of study.
From pupil to teacher
However, I did have one unique selling point: my love for the Bangla language. Fortuitously, a vacancy became available to teach Bangla GCSE at my local secondary school, which I successfully applied for. This was start of my career in the UK, where I have been able to continue my passion for languages as a teacher.
I have taught for over 25 years as a language teacher meeting thousands of students and helping them to express their feelings, thoughts, emotion and open the door for wider world.
Royal recognition
I have tried my best to promote education in my community for the 25 years of my life as a teacher and through helping the community progress and improve social mobility.
My work has been recognised by His Majesty’s Government, and I was awarded an MBE for services to education. I do not say this to be boastful, but to illustrate how only through the mastery of language I was able to help myself and others around me.
Language is not just words strung together; it is the tool by which we express our thoughts, emotion, and identities, connect with others, share knowledge, and shape our understanding of the world. Through language, we build bridges between cultures, inspire change, and create legacies that transcend generations.
Syed Samad Ali MBE
- Language teacher
- Steering group member of Express Yourself North East Festival of Languages
