Dhatki language facts for kids

Dhatki, also known as Dhati or Thari, is a special way of speaking related to the Marwari dialect of the Rajasthani language. You can think of it like a unique version or accent of a bigger language. People speak Dhatki in parts of western Jaisalmer and Barmer districts in Rajasthan, India. It is also spoken in eastern parts of the Sindh province in Pakistan. Dhatki has some very interesting and unique sounds, like 'glottalized' or 'implosive' sounds, which make it stand out!

What is the Dhatki Language?

Dhatki is a language that belongs to the Indo-Aryan family. This family includes many languages spoken across South Asia. Dhatki is closely related to Rajasthani and Marwari. It's sometimes called a "sociolect" because it's spoken by specific communities.

Unique Sounds of Dhatki

One cool thing about Dhatki is its special sounds. It uses 'glottalized' or 'implosive' sounds. These are sounds made by quickly closing and opening your throat or by sucking air inwards. This makes Dhatki sound different from many other languages.

Where is Dhatki Spoken?

Dhatki is mainly spoken in two countries: India and Pakistan.

Dhatki in India

In India, you'll find Dhatki speakers in the western parts of Rajasthan. Specifically, it's common in the Jaisalmer and Barmer districts. These areas are close to the border with Pakistan.

Dhatki in Pakistan

Across the border in Pakistan, Dhatki is spoken in the eastern parts of the Sindh province. Many speakers live in districts like Tharparkar, Umarkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, and Badin.

Dhatki Speakers and History

In 1947, when British India was divided into India and Pakistan, many Dhatki-speaking communities moved. They migrated from India to what became Pakistan. Even though many moved, a good number of Dhatki speakers still live in both countries today. Small groups of people continued to migrate for some time after 1947.