Bhojpuri Language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bhojpuri |
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| भोजपुरी • 𑂦𑂷𑂔𑂣𑂳𑂩𑂲 | ||||
  The word "Bhojpuri" in Kaithi and Devanagari script
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| Native to | India and Nepal | |||
| Region | Purvanchal-Bhojpur | |||
| Ethnicity | Bhojpuri | |||
| Native speakers | 51 million, partial count (2011 census) (additional speakers counted under Hindi) |
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| Language family |
Indo-European
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| Dialects |
Northern (Gorakhpuri, Sarawaria, Basti, Padrauna)
Western (Purbi, Benarsi)
Southern (Kharwari)
Tharu Bhojpuri
Madheshi
Domra
Musahari
Caribbean Hindustani
· Trinidadian Hindustani (Trinidadian Bhojpuri, Plantation Hindustani, Gaon ke Bolee) · Guyanese Hindustani (Aili Gaili) · Sarnami Hindoestani Mauritian Bhojpuri
South African Bhojpuri (Naitali)
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| Writing system |
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| Official status | ||||
| Official language in |  Fiji (as the Fiji Hindi language) |
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| Recognised minority language in |  India (as a second language in Jharkhand) |
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| Linguasphere | 59-AAF-sa | |||
Bhojpuri-speaking region in India
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Bhojpuri is a language spoken by many people in parts of northern-eastern India and the Terai region of Nepal. You'll mostly hear it in western Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh in India. This language is usually written using the Devanagari script, which is also used for Hindi.
Bhojpuri is part of the larger Indo-Aryan language family. This family includes many languages spoken across India and other parts of South Asia. It's closely related to other languages like Maithili and Magahi, which are also spoken in the Bihar region.
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Where Bhojpuri is Spoken
Bhojpuri is mainly spoken in the Bhojpuri region of India and Nepal. This area includes parts of the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand in India. In Nepal, it's spoken in the southern Terai region.
- India: Millions of people speak Bhojpuri in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It's a very important language in these areas.
- Nepal: In Nepal, Bhojpuri is one of the country's recognized languages. Many people in the southern plains speak it.
But Bhojpuri speakers aren't just found in India and Nepal! Over time, many people from the Bhojpuri region moved to other countries. Because of this, you can find Bhojpuri speakers and related languages in places like:
- Fiji: Here, a language called Fiji Hindi developed, which has strong roots in Bhojpuri.
- Mauritius: Many people of Indian origin in Mauritius speak a form of Bhojpuri.
- Suriname, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago: In these Caribbean countries, people speak a language called Caribbean Hindustani, which is also based on Bhojpuri.
- South Africa: Some communities here also speak a form of Bhojpuri.
How Bhojpuri is Written
Today, Bhojpuri is mostly written using the Devanagari script. This is the same script used for writing Hindi and Nepali.
In the past, Bhojpuri was also written using a script called Kaithi. This script was widely used for administrative and personal records in the region. While it's not commonly used anymore, you can still find old documents and signs written in Kaithi.
Bhojpuri in Culture
Bhojpuri has a rich culture, especially in its folk songs, stories, and movies.
- Music: Bhojpuri folk music is very popular. It includes different styles like Biraha, Chaiti, and Kajari. These songs often tell stories about daily life, love, and social issues.
- Cinema: There's a thriving Bhojpuri film industry, often called "Bhojpuriwood." These movies are very popular in the regions where Bhojpuri is spoken.
- Literature: Many famous writers and poets have contributed to Bhojpuri literature over the centuries. They have written poems, plays, and novels that reflect the culture and traditions of the region.
Why Bhojpuri is Important
Bhojpuri is more than just a language; it's a big part of the identity for millions of people. It connects communities and helps preserve their unique cultural heritage. Even though it's not one of India's official languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, there's a strong movement to include it. This would give it more recognition and support.
Images for kids
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Statue named Baba en Maai commemorating the arrival of first Indian couple in Suriname
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The Indo Aryan languages
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Bhojpuri story written in Kaithi script by Babu Rama Smaran Lal in 1898
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Signboard at Purbi Gumti Arrah with "Lock no. 11" written on the board in Bhojpuri using Kaithi Script (on the left side), Persian script (on the right side) and Roman script (above).
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Cover page of Badmash Darpan by Teg Ali Teg
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See also
In Spanish: Idioma bhoshpuri para niños
