Languages of Nepal

According to the 2021 National Population and Housing Census, Nepal is a multilingual country with 124 languages spoken as mother tongues. These languages reflect the country’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity. Nepali is the primary language, but many others, like Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tamang, and Tharu, are also spoken. Nepali languages come from different families, such as Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman, depending on the area. 

Some languages are popular in large communities, while others may disappear because fewer people speak them. This variety makes the languages of Nepal interesting and special, and it’s important to protect these languages for the future.

History

It is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by about half of Nepal’s people as their first language and by many more as a second language. It is also called Gorkhali (language of the Gurkhas) and Parbatiya (language of the hills). Long ago, it was known as Khaskura, which was spoken by the Khas people who lived in the Karnali and Bheri areas. In 1854, a Muluki Ain law made Nepali the only official language. Later in 1959, the Constitution declared it the national language. In 2007, the new Constitution gave national status to all mother tongues. Still, Nepali is the main language used in government and schools today.

Major Indigenous Languages of Nepal

Nepali

Nepali is the primary language of Nepal and is spoken by most people in the country. About 45% of the population uses it as their first language. You can hear friendly words like “Namaste” and “Dhanyabad” (thank you) almost everywhere you go. Whether you’re exploring the majestic mountains, the beautiful plains, or the vibrant cities, the Nepali language brings together all Nepalese people in a wonderful way.

Maithili

Similarly, Maithili is one of the most important languages spoken in the southern Terai region of Nepal. With around 12 million speakers, it is an essential language of communication. Maithili belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and is known for its melodic tones and expressive nature. So, it is widely used in literature, songs, and storytelling, making it a rich part of the cultural heritage. For the people who speak it, Maithili plays a central role in preserving their traditions, customs, and beliefs.

Bhojpuri

Bhojpuri is one of the oldest languages of Nepal. It is mainly spoken in the Terai region, like Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Rupandehi, etc. It has millions of speakers and is vital to the culture of its people. Known for its lively and expressive style, Bhojpuri is often heard during festivals like Chhath and Holi. The language beautifully reflects the rich cultural identity of its speakers through popular folk songs, heartfelt poems, and vibrant traditional dances.

Tharu

It is spoken by the Tharu people who mostly live in the Terai, especially in places like Dang, Bardiya, Chitwan, and Kailali. The language is closely linked to their daily life, nature, and farming traditions. When you visit these areas, you’ll often hear the warm greeting “Padhare ho” (Welcome). It shows the friendly and welcoming nature of the Tharu people. Tharu is more than words but carries their songs, stories, and cultural pride from generation to generation.

Newari

Newari, also called Nepal Bhasa, is the old and traditional language of the Kathmandu Valley. It holds profound cultural and religious importance, especially during festivals and ceremonies. You can hear greetings like “Jwajalapa” during local events. These words show how closely the language tied to Newar life and beliefs. Even today, many people use Newari to keep their customs and history alive.

How many languages are spoken in Nepal?

Nepal is a linguistically diverse country with 124 languages spoken as mother tongues, according to the 2021 National Population and Housing Census. These languages belong to several language families:

Note: The total population figure here is based on the sum of the reported numbers of speakers for each language family.

Sources: National Population and Housing Census 2021; ResearchGate publications on Nepal’s linguistic demographics

1. Indo-European

Nepal’s linguistic majority belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Indo-Aryan branch. These languages are primarily spoken in the Terai plains and the hill regions, where centuries of migration, trade, and settlement have created a densely interconnected linguistic zone. The Indo-European family represents over 83% of Nepal’s population, making it the most dominant linguistic group in the country.

These languages share roots with classical Sanskrit and are written mainly in Devanagari script. They range from national and administrative languages to local dialects used in only a few villages. While many Indo-European languages in Nepal have millions of speakers and strong oral and literary traditions, others are small, endangered, or used only by older generations.

Many of them just serve as common tongues in their communities, helping to unite people, support trade, and facilitate education. However, languages like Nepali have even become official languages across the country.

Examples:

• Nepali (national language)
• Maithili
• Bhojpuri
• Tharu
• Avadhi
• Bajjika
• Doteli
• Urdu
• Hindi
• Magahi

Additional Indo-European Languages Spoken in Nepal

Beyond the major ones, Nepal also hosts over 30 smaller Indo-European languages, including:

• Regional hill dialects: Baitadeli, Aachami, Bajhangi, Dailekhi
• Terai dialects and ethnic languages: Rajbanshi, Angika, Tajpuriya, Kumal, Darai
• Migrant/heritage languages: Bengali, Punjabi, Sindhi, Garhwali, Oriya, Rajasthani
• Endangered or niche: Sonaha, Bote, Kisan, Musalban, Jumli

Some of these are at risk of disappearing due to low transmission to younger generations, migration, and the dominance of Nepali in education and media.

2. Sino-Tibetan

The Sino-Tibetan family, specifically its Tibeto-Burman branch, represents Nepal’s second-largest linguistic group. These languages are primarily spoken by ethnic communities in the hill and mountain regions. These areas are often inaccessible and historically isolated, which has helped preserve many Indigenous tongues. According to the 2021 census, 72 languages fall under this family and are spoken by approximately 16.57% of the population.

Tibeto-Burman languages are known for their tones, complex grammar, and strong oral traditions. However, many of these languages don’t have a standard writing system and depend on oral storytelling, rituals, and social memory.

Despite their cultural richness, many of these languages face threats due to migration, education policies favoring Nepali, and a lack of institutional support.

Examples:

• Tamang
• Gurung
• Sherpa
• Newar (Nepal Bhasa)
• Limbu
• Rai dialects (Bantawa, Chamling, etc.)
• Magar Kham
• Yolmo

These languages represent not just communication tools but entire knowledge systems, especially in herbal medicine, weather prediction, and oral histories.

3. Austro-Asiatic

The Austro-Asiatic language family is minimally represented in Nepal. It comprises just three languages spoken by small tribal populations in the eastern and southeastern Terai. These languages are remnants of ancient migrations from eastern India and Southeast Asia.

They are non-tonal, often use subject-object-verb (SOV) word order, and are rich in animistic and nature-centric vocabulary. While few in number, these languages hold distinct ethnolinguistic value.

Examples:

• Santhali
• Mundari
• Kharia

Due to limited speaker populations and minimal recognition in policy and education, these languages are highly endangered in Nepal.

4. Dravidian

Only one Dravidian language, Kurukh (known as Oraon), is spoken in Nepal, mainly by a small migrant community from India settled in the southern and eastern Terai. This minority language has not been passed down between generations. It uses a type of grammar where words are formed by adding parts together, and it has a strong oral storytelling tradition. 

However, Kurukh is at risk of disappearing because of assimilation, lack of formal education, and people moving away for economic reasons.

5. Others/Not reported

Kusunda is a unique language spoken in Nepal. It is an isolate, meaning it has no known relatives. Only 2 to 10 people speak it, mainly in Dang and Gorkha districts. Considered critically endangered, Kusunda is valuable for research in human migration and language evolution. It was thought to be extinct, but has seen some revival efforts lately.

This classification shows just how linguistically diverse Nepal is, with more than 120 languages belonging to 5 different language families.

Latest Language Census of Nepal

According to the 2021 National Population and Housing Census, Nepal is home to 124 languages spoken as mother tongues. This figure may vary slightly in linguistic research sources like Ethnologue, which lists 129 living languages. Almost 78% of the population speaks Nepali as a first or second language. It is the official language and is widely used across the country. Maithili is the second most spoken language. However, Nepali is not the dominant language in districts like Mahottari, Sarlahi, and Rautahat. It is an Indo-Aryan language, written in Devanagari script, and has over 17 million speakers worldwide.

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Language diversity in Nepal also affects literacy and communication. Northern districts like Mechi and Seti show a significant gender gap in literacy, up to 32%. Areas speaking Maithili and Bajjika have the lowest literacy rates at around 40%. On average, each district has about nine major languages. Morang District has the highest diversity with 34 languages, while Bajura has only one, Nepali.

Language Spoken At Provincial Level 

Nepal recognizes its rich linguistic diversity by allowing provinces to declare their own official languages alongside Nepali. Each province has selected languages that reflect the identity and culture of its local communities. These languages can be used in government, education, and public communication to preserve cultural heritage and promote inclusion.

Here is a table showing the official languages in each province of Nepal:

Do people in Nepal speak English?

In Nepal, people speak English, especially in urban areas and among the younger generations. While it is not an official language, it is widely used in education, business, tourism, and media. In cities like Kathmandu, many people understand English well, and it is commonly taught in schools and universities. However, English proficiency is less common in rural areas due to limited access to education and resources. 

According to the 2021 National Population and Housing Census, approximately 102,561 individuals reported English as their second language, or 0.35% of the population. Despite this, English plays a significant role in Nepal’s public life. It is prevalent in signage and official documents and is often used with Nepali in various domains. The growing use of English reflects Nepal’s increasing engagement with global communication and commerce.

Some Useful Nepali Phrases for Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to Nepal, learning a few basic Nepali phrases can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. While many people in tourist areas speak some English, using local greetings and simple expressions shows respect and can help build friendly connections.

Below is a table of common Nepali phrases with easy pronunciations and their English meanings:

Multilingualism in Nepal

While Nepali is the official language, more than 120 others are spoken by different ethnic communities. These languages are used in daily life, especially in rural areas, while Nepali and English are more common in cities. This mix reflects the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

However, managing so many languages comes with challenges in education, communication, and governance. At the same time, it offers opportunities to promote cultural identity, tourism, and inclusive development.

Its Challenges

• Many indigenous languages are at risk of disappearing.
• There are few government and educational services available in minority languages.
• Some local languages don’t have a standard writing system.
• Urbanization and migration lead people to adopt more dominant languages.
• It’s hard to create language policies that represent everyone fairly..

Its Opportunities 

• It helps in preserving cultural identity and ethnic diversity.
• It boosts tourism and international interest in local languages and cultures.
• It also promotes inclusive education through multilingual teaching.
• It encourages literary and artistic expression in native tongues.
• It strengthens social harmony when all languages are respected.

Where can I learn the Nepali Language?

If you’re interested in learning Nepali, here are some accessible options:

• Language Schools in Nepal: Institutions like the Nepali Language Center (Kathmandu) and WorldLink Education (Pokhara) offer immersive in-person courses.
• Online Platforms: Apps like Duolingo, italki, and Mango Languages provide beginner-friendly lessons.
• Universities: Some international universities offer South Asian language programs, including Nepali.
• Community Centers: Nepali cultural centers abroad often offer weekend classes for both children and adults.
• Books & Audio Resources: Phrasebooks, grammar guides, and podcasts like Learn Nepali with RamroPatro are great self-learning tools.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nepal’s linguistic diversity is one of its greatest cultural treasures. With 124 recognized languages spoken across the country, it reflects the deep roots and rich heritage of various ethnic communities. While this diversity brings challenges, such as communication gaps and policy hurdles, it also opens doors to greater inclusion, cultural pride, and opportunities in tourism and education. Embracing multilingualism with respect and support ensures that Nepal’s many voices are heard, preserved, and celebrated for many generations to come. For travelers interested in engaging more personally with local traditions, a guided cultural tour is an excellent way to connect with the communities behind these languages.

FAQs For Languages of Nepal