Nepali facts for kids

Nepali can mean a few different things, mostly connected to the country of Nepal. It can refer to anything that comes from or is related to Nepal.

It most commonly refers to the Nepali language, which is the official language of modern Nepal. This language is also spoken in parts of India and Bhutan. Sometimes, people call it Gorkhali.

Less often, "Nepali" might refer to Nepal Bhasa, also known as Newari. This is a different language that was very important for writing and literature in the Kathmandu Valley and the old state of Nepal.

The Nepali Language: Nepal's Official Voice

The Nepali language is the main language spoken by most people in Nepal. It's used in schools, government, and everyday life across the country. It belongs to a group of languages called the Indo-Aryan languages, which are part of the larger Indo-European language family. This means it's related to languages like Hindi, Bengali, and Punjabi.

Where is Nepali Spoken?

Besides being the official language of Nepal, Nepali is also spoken in several other places. In India, it's one of the 22 official languages recognized by the government. Many people speak Nepali in areas like Sikkim, Darjeeling, and parts of Assam. It's also spoken by a significant number of people in Bhutan. Around the world, you'll find Nepali speakers in communities where people from Nepal have moved, such as in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

How Many People Speak Nepali?

Globally, over 30 million people speak Nepali. Most of these speakers live in Nepal, where it's the mother tongue for about half the population and a second language for many others. In India, there are millions of Nepali speakers, especially in the northeastern states.

The Devanagari Script

The Nepali language is written using the Devanagari script. This is the same writing system used for languages like Hindi and Sanskrit. Devanagari is known for its horizontal line at the top, from which letters hang down. It's a very old script that has been used for thousands of years.

Nepal Bhasa: A Historical Language

While Nepali is the main language today, Nepal Bhasa (or Newari) has a rich history. It's an ancient language spoken by the Newar people, who are the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. For centuries, Nepal Bhasa was the language of government, literature, and trade in the region. Many old books, poems, and historical records from Nepal are written in Nepal Bhasa.

Nepal Bhasa Today

Today, Nepal Bhasa is still spoken by many Newar people, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. Efforts are being made to preserve and promote the language, as it holds a special place in Nepal's cultural heritage. It's taught in some schools and used in cultural events.

What Else Can "Nepali" Mean?

When someone says "Nepali," they might also be talking about:

• People from Nepal: Someone who is Nepali is a citizen of Nepal or has Nepali heritage.
• Culture and Traditions: "Nepali" can describe the unique culture, food, music, and traditions of Nepal. For example, "Nepali food" includes popular dishes like dal bhat (lentil soup and rice) and momo (dumplings).
• Things from Nepal: It can also refer to products, art, or anything else that originates from Nepal.

So, "Nepali" is a word with several meanings, but they all connect back to the fascinating country of Nepal and its rich linguistic and cultural heritage!