Nepali language

"Languages & Nations of India" and "Political Divisions of India"in 1858, 10 of 'From New York to Delhi, by way of Rio de Janeiro, Australia, and China' (11053770654) (cropped)

Indo-Aryan languages alignment

Mandhata Shahi- SAKE-1612

Bhanubhakta Ramayana manuscript (cropped)

Nepali language map

Nepali language, also known as Nepalese, is an Indo-Aryan language of the sub-branch of Eastern Pahari. It is the official language of Nepal and one of the 22 scheduled languages of India. It is spoken mainly in Nepal and by about a quarter of the population in Bhutan, as well as by significant communities in India, particularly in the states of Sikkim and West Bengal's Darjeeling district. Nepali is also spoken in Burmese refugee camps and by the Nepali diaspora worldwide.

History

The history of the Nepali language is believed to have begun with the advent of the Khas people from the northwest to the Nepal region around the 10th century. Initially, the language was known as Khas Kura (Khas Speech) and was spoken by the Khas community. Over time, it evolved and absorbed elements from other languages due to interactions with neighboring cultures. By the 18th century, under the Gorkha Kingdom, Nepali was recognized as the state language and began to be used in administration and literature, further solidifying its status in the region.

Geographical Distribution

Nepali is primarily spoken in Nepal, where it serves as the lingua franca among the diverse ethnic groups in the country. In India, significant Nepali-speaking populations can be found in the northeastern states, especially Sikkim and West Bengal. The language has also spread to other countries, including Bhutan and Myanmar, as well as among the Nepali diaspora in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Dialects

Nepali has several dialects, which can be broadly categorized into eastern, central, and western dialects. These dialects vary in pronunciation and vocabulary, but the standard form of Nepali, based on the Kathmandu Valley dialect, is understood by speakers of all dialects.

Phonology

Nepali phonology is characterized by its distinction between aspirated and unaspirated consonants, as well as its use of tonal variations. The language has a rich set of phonemes, including multiple series of consonants and a wide range of vowels.

Grammar

Nepali grammar follows a subject-object-verb (SOV) word order. It has a complex inflectional system, with nouns, pronouns, and adjectives inflected for case, number, and gender. Verbs are inflected for tense, aspect, mood, and person. Nepali also uses postpositions rather than prepositions.

Writing System

The Nepali language is written in the Devanagari script, which is also used for Hindi, Sanskrit, and Marathi. The script is an abugida, where each character represents a consonant with an inherent vowel, and other vowels are indicated with diacritical marks.

Literature

Nepali literature has a rich history, with its roots in the 12th century. Early literature was mostly religious in nature, but in the modern era, it has expanded to include a wide range of genres, including poetry, novels, short stories, and essays. Prominent Nepali literary figures include Bhanubhakta Acharya, Laxmi Prasad Devkota, and Parijat.

Status

Nepali is recognized as the official language of Nepal, where it is used in government, education, and media. It is also one of the scheduled languages of India, giving it a status that ensures its promotion and development. The language is subject to various language planning and policy efforts, aimed at maintaining its vitality and promoting its use among younger generations.