Español
  Français

Languages in Nepal

You are here: Countries / Nepal

Nepal, a multi-linguistic country has at least 120 kinds of languages. Nepali, the mother tongue of the country is a lingo branched from the Indo-European, Pahari and Eastern Pahari and Indo-Iraninan family. It is the de facto lingua franca of Nepal. It has approximately 22 million local speakers within and out of the nation. In addition, countries like Bhutan, parts of India and Myanmar are using the language, Nepali. Previously, the language was primary called Khaskura, and then it became Gorkhali or Gurkhali (from the Gurkha ethnic group). Other than that, names like Parbatiya, which means mountain language and Lhotshammika, meaning southern language were also used.

In the midst of the languages and dialects they have, three happened to be extinct and wiped out, Dura, Kusunda and Waling. Aside from Nepali, the official language of Nepal, other chief languages such as Newari, Awadhi, Limbu, Hindi, Mundari, Bahing and Maithili are being used. It is believed that Nepali is the easternmost assemblage of Pahari languages. It is commonly utilized in the vicinities of the Himalayan ranges. This language is also similar to Hindi, the official language of India.

Nepali language builds up and swanks its own compilation of immense literature and writing. It is commonly printed in the Devanagari script which Hindi and Urdu speakers can simply understand. Mysterious collected works of folktales, a translation of the South Asian epic are brought together in the language. Also, a new version of Holy Bible was taken out in Nepali before.

These days, English becomes a significant language in Nepal. It is being used in education, business, medicine and other various dealings nowadays. American televisions programs and networks are aired in the country.