Nuristani languages facts for kids

The Nuristani (Nurestani) languages (Persian: زبان نورستانی) are a unique group of languages spoken mainly in eastern Afghanistan. They are part of the larger Indo-Iranian language family, which also includes the Indo-Aryan languages (like Hindi and Bengali) and the Iranian languages (like Persian and Pashto).

People who speak Nuristani languages mostly live in the mountainous region of Nuristan. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural history. The Nuristani languages are important because they help us understand how different languages are connected and how they developed over time.

Nuristani Languages and Their Speakers

There are several Nuristani languages, and each is spoken by a different number of people. These languages are a big part of the culture and identity of the communities in Nuristan.

• Askunu (also called Ashkun): About 2,000 people speak this language.
• Kamkata-viri (also known as Bashgali): This is the most widely spoken Nuristani language, with around 24,200 speakers. It includes different ways of speaking, called dialects, such as Kata-vari, Kamviri, and Mumviri.
• Vasi-vari (also called Prasuni): Around 2,000 people speak Vasi-vari.
• Tregami (also known as Gambiri): About 1,000 people speak Tregami.
• Waigali (also called Kalasha-ala): This language has about 2,000 speakers.
• Zemiaki: Only about 500 people speak Zemiaki. While it was once thought to be a different kind of language, experts now believe it belongs to the Nuristani group.

These languages are important parts of the cultural heritage of the people in Nuristan. Learning about them helps us appreciate the diversity of languages around the world!

See also

In Spanish: Lenguas nuristaníes para niños