What language is spoken in Nepal ?

Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas, boasts a rich linguistic diversity. Let’s explore the languages spoken in this enchanting country:

1. Nepali: The Official Language

• Nepali, formerly known as Parbate Bhasa or Gorkhali, is the official language of Nepal. It serves as a lingua franca and is spoken by a significant portion of the population. Beyond Nepal’s borders, Nepali is also used in parts of northern India and is the official language of the Indian state of Sikkim and Darjeeling district in West Bengal.

2. Maithili: A Popular Indo-Aryan Language

• Maithili ranks as the second most spoken language in Nepal. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and is prevalent in some districts of the Terai region.

3. Sino-Tibetan Languages

• Nepal Bhasa (Newari): Spoken by the Newar community, this language has a distinct identity from Nepali. Once an administrative language, it is now considered “definitely endangered” by UNESCO.
• Limbu: Spoken by tribes and clans in East Nepal, the Limbu language has Tibetan origins.
• Other Sino-Tibetan languages include Magar, Tamang, Rai, and Sunuwar.

4. Dravidian and Austroasiatic Languages

• Kurukh: Classified as “Vulnerable” by UNESCO, Kurukh is spoken by about 28,600 people in Nepal.
• Santali: An Austroasiatic language, Santali is spoken by approximately 6.2 million people across Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

5. A Linguistic Mosaic

Nepal’s linguistic landscape is a mosaic of 123 languages, each with its unique history and cultural significance. While Nepali dominates, the richness lies in the diversity of regional languages. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Kathmandu or the serene villages of the Himalayas, you’ll encounter a symphony of voices that make Nepal truly extraordinary.