Nepal Bhasa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nepal Bhasa |
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| नेपाल भाषा | ||||
| Native to | Nepal, Sikkim | |||
| Ethnicity | Newa people | |||
| Native speakers | 846,000 (2011 census) (date missing) | |||
| Language family |
Sino-Tibetan
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| Early forms: |
Classical Newari
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| Dialects |
Dolakhae
Sindhupalchok Pahri
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| Writing system | Devanagari, Kutakshari script, Ranjana script, Prachalit script, Brahmi script, Gupta script, Bhujimol script, Golmol script | |||
| Official status | ||||
| Official language in |  Nepal, Sikkim |
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| Regulated by | Nepal Bhasa Academy Nepal Bhasa Parishad |
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| Linguist List | nwx Middle Newar | |||
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Nepal Bhasa is a fascinating language spoken mainly by the Newa people in Nepal and Sikkim. Its native speakers call it Newah Bhaaye. This language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, which is part of the larger Sino-Tibetan group. It's important to know that some people, especially from Western countries, have incorrectly called it 'Newari'. Nepal Bhasa shares features with other languages from the Northern Himalayas, like Kirant and Tibetan dialects. It has five main dialects and many smaller ones, spoken by Newa people across the country.
Contents
What is Nepal Bhasa?
Nepal Bhasa is a language with a rich history. It is sometimes confused with the official language of Nepal, which is Nepali. However, Nepal Bhasa is a distinct language. It has its own unique sounds, grammar, and vocabulary. It is an important part of the cultural identity of the Newa people.
Where is Nepal Bhasa Spoken?
Most of the 846,000 people who speak Nepal Bhasa live in Nepal. You'll find many speakers in the Kathmandu Valley, which is the heartland of the Newa people. It is also spoken in parts of Sikkim, a state in India. This language helps connect Newa communities across different regions.
A Language with Many Scripts
Nepal Bhasa has been written using several different scripts over time. The most common script used today is Devanagari. This is the same script used for Nepali and Hindi. However, historically, Nepal Bhasa used many unique scripts. These include the Ranjana script, Prachalit script, and even older ones like Brahmi script and Gupta script. These different scripts show the long and varied history of the language.
Why is it Called Nepal Bhasa?
The name "Nepal Bhasa" literally means "Nepal Language." This name shows its deep connection to the history of Nepal. For a long time, it was the main administrative language in the Kathmandu Valley. The term 'Newari' was often used by outsiders. However, "Nepal Bhasa" is the correct and preferred name by its speakers. It highlights the language's historical importance and its role as a national language.
Protecting the Language
Organizations like the Nepal Bhasa Academy and Nepal Bhasa Parishad work to protect and promote the language. They help keep the language alive through education and cultural activities. Many books, magazines, and newspapers are published in Nepal Bhasa. This helps new generations learn and use their ancestral language.
Images for kids
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A stone inscription in Classical Newar at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
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Copper plate inscription at Swayambhunath, dated Nepal Sambat 1072 (1952 AD)
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Sit-in outside the prime minister's residence to mark Black Day on 1 June 2013.
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Cover of Buddha Dharma wa Nepal Bhasa ("Buddhism and Nepalese") magazine dated 1929.
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'Aesop's Fables' in Newar by Jagat Sundar Malla, first published in 1915.
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Nepal Bhasa Patrika daily newspaper dated 5 November 1960.
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Detail of King Pratap Malla's inscription at Kathmandu Durbar Square of 1654 AD written in Nepal Lipi.
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Prayer wheels with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" in Ranjana script at Swayambhu, Kathmandu.
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A wall slogan of Maoists using Nepal Bhasa
See also
In Spanish: Idioma nevarí para niños
