Balti language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balti |
|
|---|---|
| بلتی | |
| Native to | Pakistan, India |
| Region | Kashmir, Gilgit, Baltistan,Kargil, India, Bhutan and small pockets in Karachi, Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Lahore |
| Native speakers | 337,000 (date missing) |
| Language family |
Sino-Tibetan
|
Balti (بلتی) is a language spoken in a region called Baltistan. This area is part of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. It is also spoken in nearby parts of Jammu and Kashmir in India. Before 1948, Baltistan was part of the Ladakh region.
Balti is like an old version of the Tibetan language. It is also a sub-dialect of Ladakhi. What makes Balti special is that it pronounces many sounds that are silent in other modern Tibetan languages.
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Who Are the Balti People?
The people who live in Baltistan are called Balti. The ancient Greeks used the word "Byaltae" for this region. In Tibetan, "Byaltae" means "water gorge."
A famous historian named Ptolemy wrote about this region. He was also a general in the army of Alexander the Great. The name "Baltistan" comes from the Persian language. It means "The Homeland of Balti."
Where Do Balti People Live?
Balti people live along both sides of the Indus River. Their lands stretch from Kargil in the east to Haramosh in the west. They also live from the Karakoram mountains in the north to the Deosai plains in the south.
Most Balti people have Tibetan roots. However, many different groups of people moved to this area long ago. They joined the existing Tibetan society. This mix of cultures created a new civilization. All these groups speak the Balti language.
In some small villages, people still speak the Shina language. This is especially true for the Sheen people.
What Are Balti People Like?
The Balti people are known for being very patient and cheerful. They are also brave and welcoming to visitors.
Historically, during the Rmakpon rule (from the 12th century to 1840 A.D.), they were strong warriors. They invaded areas like Ladakh and Tibet many times.
Today, many Balti communities live in cities farther south in Pakistan. You can find them in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi.
How Has Balti Language Changed?
The Balti language has kept many special "honorific" words. These are words used to show respect, similar to how some other languages work.
Here are some examples of these respectful words:
| Ordinary Balti | Honorific | Ladakhi | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ata | Baba | Aba | Father |
| Ano/Amo | Zizi | Ama | Mother |
| Kaka | Kacho | Acho | Brother (elder) |
| Bustring | Zung | Nama | Wife |
| Momo | Jangmocho | Ajang | Maternal uncle |
| Nene | Nenecho | Ane | Aunt |
| Bu | Bucho | Tugu | Son |
| Fru | Nono | Boy | |
| Apo | Apocho | Meme | Grandfather |
| Api | Apicho | Abi | Grandmother |
| Ashe | Ashcho | Singmo | Sister (elder) |
| Zo | bjes | Zo | Eat |
| Thung | bjes | Thung | Drink |
| Ong | Shokhs | Yong | Come |
| Zer | Kasal-byung | Zer | Speak/Say |
| Ngid tong | gZim tong | Ngid tong | Sleep (go to) |
| Lagpa | Phyaq-laq/g | Lagpa | Hand/Arm |
| Khyang | Yang/Yari-phyaqpo | Khyorang | You |
| Kanma | gzok-po | Leg |
Learn More About Balti
- Everson, Michael. ISO/IEC JTC1/SC2/WG2 N2985: Proposal to add four Tibetan characters for Balti to the BMP of the UCS. 2005-09-05
- Hussainabadi, Mohamad Yusuf. Balti Zaban. 1990.
- Read, A.F.C. Balti grammar.London:The Royal Asiatic society, 1934.
See also
- In Spanish: Idioma balti para niños
