There are a total of 129 different languages spoken in Nepal but out of all only 5 languages are spoken by 70% of the population. There are a total of 129 languages in Nepal that are used as a mother tongue by different cultural and religious groups. There were 123 languages registered but later in 2019 after registering additional 6 languages now the total number of languages spoken in Nepal is 129. Only a few languages are mostly spoken in Nepal like Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, etc.
The newly added languages are Rana Tharu, Nar Phu, Chum (Syaar) and Nubri (Larke), Poike, and Serake (Seke). These languages are spoken in Kanchanpur, Manang, Gorkha, Dolpa, and Mustang respectively.
Official Language of Nepal
Even though Nepal is a multiethnic and multilingual nation but a country must have a common language for official work and and as an official language. Nepali official language of Nepal and most of the population speaks and understand the Nepali language. Almost 45% of the population speaks the Nepali language. Maithili and Bhojpuri are the second and third most spoken languages respectively. Since India is a neighboring country Hindi language is also understood by Nepali people.
Status of English Language In Nepal
Even though Nepali is the official language and mother tongue of the Nepali people government has made the study of the English language compulsory in Nepal. The English accent of the native Nepalese people is different and foreigners may feel difficult to understand at starting. English is also an important secondary language in Nepal because this language is used as a primary language in education and business.
Is it difficult to learn Nepali language?
No, Nepali Language is not a difficult language at all. The difficulty of the Nepali language depends on many factors like knowledge of the Devanagari script, knowledge of other languages, and the effort you give to learn the Nepali language. If you have little or some understanding of the Hindi language then it won’t take long to learn the Nepali language. However, Nepalis grammar can be a challenging part but it’s all similar to English Grammar. The main point is proficient knowledge of the Devanagari script and consistent practice of the Nepali language.
How to learn Devanagari Script
List of all languages spoken in Nepal
- Nepali
- Maithili
- Bhojpuri
- Tharu
- Tamang
- Nepal Bhasa (Newar)
- Bajjika
- Magar
- Dotyali/Doteli
- Urdu
- Awadhi
- Limbu
- Gurung
- Baitadeli
- Rai (Kiranti)
- Aachami
- Bantawa (Rai)
- Rajbanshi
- Sherpa
- Hindi
- Chamling (Rai)
- Bajhangi
- Santhali
- Chepang
- Danuwar
- Sunuwar
- Magahi
- Uranw/Kurux
- Kulung (Rai)
- Kham (Magar)
- Rajasthani
- Majhi
- Thami
- Bhujel
- Bengali
- Thulung (Rai)
- Yakkha
- Dhimal
- Tajpuriya
- Angika
- Sampang (Rai)
- Khaling (Rai)
- Wambule (Rai)
- Kumal
- Darai
- Bahing (Rai)
- Bajureli
- Hyolmo
- Nachiring (Rai)
- Yamphu (Rai)
- Bote
- Ghale
- Dumi (Rai)
- Lepcha
- Puma (Rai)
- Dungmali (Rai)
- Darchuleli
- Aathpariya (Rai)
- Thakali
- Jirel
- Mewahang (Rai)
- Sign Language
- Tibetan
- Meche
- Chhantyal
- Raji
- Lohorung (Rai)
- Chhintang (Rai)
- Gangai
- Pahari
- Dailekhi
- Lhopa
- Dura
- Koch
- Chiling (Rai)
- English
- Jerung (Rai)
- Khas
- Sanskrit
- Dolpali
- Hayu
- Tilung (Rai)
- Koi (Rai)
- Kisan
- Waling (Rai)
- Musalban
- Hariyani/Haryanvi
- Jumli
- Lhomi
- Punjabi
- Belhare (Rai)
- Odia
- Sonaha
- Sindhi
- Dadeldhuri
- Byangshi
- Assamese
- Raute
- Saam (Rai)
- Manange
- Dhuleli
- Phangduali (Rai)
- Surel
- Malpande
- Chinese
- Khariya
- Kurmali
- Baram
- Lingkhim (Rai)
- Sadhani
- Kagate
- Dzongkha
- Bankariya
- Kaike
- Garhwali (Gadhawali)
- French
- Mizo
- Kuki
- Kusunda
- Russian
- Spanish
- Nagamese
- Arabic
- Rana Tharu
- Nar Phu
- Chum (Syaar)
- Nubri (Larke)
- Poike
- Serake (Seke)
In conclusion, Nepal is a culturally diverse country with a rich linguistic heritage. A total of 129 languages are spoken in Nepal, reflecting the country’s varied ethnic and cultural groups. These languages, ranging from Indo-Aryan to Tibeto-Burman, are an integral part of Nepal’s cultural identity and play a crucial role in the daily lives of the country’s citizens. The wide variety of languages spoken in Nepal highlights the country’s vibrant and diverse culture, and serves as a testament to the nation’s rich history and traditions.
FAQs
What is the most commonly spoken language in Nepal?
Nepali is the most commonly spoken language in Nepal. In addition to Nepali, many Nepalese people also understand Hindi, Bhojpuri and English. You can also read mostly spoken language in Nepal
Is Nepali a difficult language?
Nepali can be a challenging language for those who don’t know the Devanagari script. But those who have proficient knowledge of the Devanagari script can learn English very easily.