Meitei language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Meetei |
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|---|---|
| Manipuri, Meithei, Meetei ꯃꯤꯇꯩꯂꯣꯟ |
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| Region | Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar |
| Ethnicity | Meetei |
| Native speakers | 1.25 million (2010) to 1.5 million (2001 census)e18 |
| Language family |
Sino-Tibetan
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| Writing system | Bengali alphabet (current) Latin alphabet (to a lesser extent) Meetei alphabet (historical) |
| Official status | |
| Official language in | (Manipur) |
| Linguist List | omp Old Manipuri |
Meetei, also known as Manipuri, is a special language spoken mainly in Manipur, a state in Northeast India. It is also used by people in parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. This language is very important to the Meetei people, who are the main group living in Manipur.
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Where Meetei is Spoken
Meetei is the official language of Manipur, a beautiful state in Northeast India. Many people in the surrounding areas also speak it. You can find Meetei speakers in nearby states like Assam and Tripura. Beyond India, the language is also spoken by Meetei communities in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Who Speaks Meetei?
The Meetei language is the native tongue of the Meetei people. They are the largest ethnic group in Manipur. For centuries, Meetei has been the main language used for communication and culture in the region. It helps connect people and share their rich history.
How Many People Speak Meetei?
About 1.5 million people speak Meetei! This number comes from a census done in 2001. It shows that many people use this language every day. It is a living language that continues to be an important part of life for the Meetei community.
Writing Meetei: Different Scripts
Over time, the Meetei language has been written using different scripts.
The Meetei Mayek Script
Historically, Meetei was written using its own unique script called Meetei Mayek. This ancient script has special letters and symbols. It was used for many old writings and royal decrees.
The Bengali Script
Today, most Meetei speakers use the Bengali script to write their language. This script is also used for the Bengali language, which is spoken in Bangladesh and parts of India. It became popular because it was easier to print books and newspapers.
The Latin Alphabet
Sometimes, the Latin alphabet (the one we use for English) is also used to write Meetei. This is less common but can be seen in some modern texts or for learning purposes.
Images for kids
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A Meitei language stone inscription in Meitei script about a royal decree of a Meitei king found in the sacred site of God Panam Ningthou in Andro, Imphal East, Manipur
See also
In Spanish: Idioma manipurí para niños
