Language and Dialects of Uttarakhand

Language and Dialects of Uttarakhand

Language and Dialects of Uttarakhand : Uttarakhand, known for its natural beauty and spirituality, is also home to a vibrant cultural heritage. An important aspect of this is the languages and dialects spoken in the state. Hindi, English and Sanskrit are the official and recognized languages, but there are several dialects that showcase the diversity of the region.

The two most prominent dialects are Kumauni and Garhwali, spoken in the Kumaun and Garhwal regions respectively. These dialects belong to the Indo-Aryan language family and have been influenced by Hindi, Sanskrit, local tribal languages as well as dialects from neighboring regions. Over the years, Kumauni and Garhwali have branched into several sub-dialects based on geography and cultural influences.

This article takes a deep dive into the various languages and dialects of Uttarakhand, their origins and influences, geographical distribution, literary traditions, current status and more. It aims to highlight the linguistic diversity of the state and how these dialects are an integral part of Uttarakhand’s unique pahari culture.

Official and Recognized Languages

Hindi

• Hindi is the official language of Uttarakhand and is spoken and understood widely across the state
• It belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family
• Hindi has greatly influenced most dialects spoken in Uttarakhand due to migration and cultural exchange over the years
• Standard Hindi is used in education, media, government activities and formal communication

English

• English is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and holds the status of an associate official language
• It is the language of higher education, law and judiciary in Uttarakhand
• English is also used in tourism and business activities due to high national and international tourist influx

Sanskrit

• Sanskrit has been given the status of second official language in Uttarakhand
• It has greatly influenced most languages in the Indian subcontinent including the dialects of Uttarakhand
• The Uttarakhand government has set up institutions to promote Sanskrit education and literature in the state

Major Dialects of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has two major Pahari dialects – Kumauni spoken in the Kumaun region and Garhwali spoken in the Garhwal region. These dialects have several sub-dialects and variations based on geography.

Kumauni

Kumauni is spoken by over 20 lakh people in the Kumaun division of Uttarakhand. Its origins can be traced to the medieval period and it has evolved over centuries by blending with other local and migrant languages.

Some key aspects:

• Belongs to the Central Pahari language grouping under Indo-Aryan family
• Influenced by Hindi, Sanskrit as well as Khas Prakrit, Awadhi and other dialects
• Written in the Devanagari script
• Numerous sub-dialects differing by region in Kumaun division
• UNESCO categorizes Kumauni as a language under unsafe status due to declining usage

Sub-Dialects of Kumauni

• Askoti – Spoken in Askot region of Pithoragarh, influenced by Nepali and other nearby hill dialects
• Sirali – Spoken in Sira region of Pithoragarh
• Soryali – Spoken in Sora pargana of Pithoragarh
• Kumaiya – Spoken in Kali Kumaun region
• Gangoli – Spoken in Gangolihat area of Pithoragarh
• Danpuriya – Spoken in Danpur pargana of Almora
• Chogarkhiya – Spoken across parts of Almora district like north Kali Kumaun and Baramandal
• Khasparjiya – Influenced by Khas people, spoken in Baramandal of Almora
• Pachhai – Spoken across Almora and Nainital districts including Ranikhet and Dwarahat

In addition to these dialects, other minority languages are also spoken in parts of Kumaun region such as Rang, Raji, Boksha and Tharu.

Garhwali

Garhwali is the main Pahari dialect spoken in the Garhwal region. Its origins can be traced to medieval periods and it shares linguistic roots with Kumauni.

Key aspects:

• Central Pahari dialect of the Indo-Aryan language family
• Influenced by Sanskrit, Prakrit languages, Hindi and other nearby hill dialects
• Written in the Devanagari script
• Has several regional sub-dialects across different districts

Sub-Dialects of Garhwali

• Badhani – Spoken in Bandgan area between Pindar and Nandakini rivers
• Manjh Kumaiya – Border sub-dialect showing influence of Kumauni
• Srinagari – Spoken around Pauri, Deval and Srinagar
• Salani – Spoken in Salan region
• Nagpuriya – Spoken in Nagpur area of Chamoli district
• Gangapariya – Dialect of Tehri Garhwal district
• Lohabya – Spoken around Gairsain and adjoining areas
• Rathi – Influenced by Kumauni, spoken near Kumaun border

In addition to these, other minority dialects and tribal languages are also spoken across different regions of Garhwal.

Other Notable Dialects

In addition to the two main Pahari dialects, several other minority languages are spoken across Uttarakhand:

• Jaunsari – Spoken in Jaunsar area of Dehradun and Tehri districts
• Raji – Spoken by Raji tribal groups in Pithoragarh district
• Boksa – Tribal language of Nainital and US Nagar districts
• Tharu – Spoken by Tharu tribes in Nainital, US Nagar and Uttarkashi

Literary Traditions

The dialects of Uttarakhand have a strong literary tradition spanning centuries. Prominent examples include:

Kumauni Literature

• Ram Dutt Pant ‘Kaviraj’ – Prominent Kumauni poet known for epic ‘Shakuntal’
• Devi Datt Pant ‘Kumaun’ – Leading literary figure and Kumauni folk singer
• Ganga Ram Semwal ‘Ganga Ram’ – Known for Kumauni plays and dramas
• Mohan Upreti – Prominent Kumauni lyricist and songwriter

Garhwali Literature

• Lakshmi Datt Saklani – Known as father of modern Garhwali literature
• Girish Tiwari ‘Girda’ – Leading Garhwali poet and writer based in Delhi
• Narendra Singh Negi – Popular Garhwali singer and songwriter
• Heera Singh Rana – Known for dramas and plays based on Garhwali folk

In addition, Sanskrit literature has also flourished in Uttarakhand over the centuries. Renowned Sanskrit scholars from the state include Adi Shankaracharya, Veda Vyasa, Kalidasa, Vishwamitra, and many more.

Promotion of Languages and Dialects

The government of Uttarakhand undertakes several initiatives for preserving and promoting local languages and dialects:

• Uttarakhandi Sanskrit University – Specialized state university for Sanskrit education and research
• Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan – Deemed university with a campus in Uttarakhand for Sanskrit and Shastras
• Sanskrit education council – Oversees Sanskrit curriculum and education across the state
• State Institute of Languages – Provides teaching and research facilities for languages of Uttarakhand
• Academies for Kumauni and Garhwali – Undertake preservation via research, workshops, cultural events etc.

In addition, the central government provides constitutional support to languages under the Eighth Schedule. As of now, no major language or dialect of Uttarakhand is included in the Eighth Schedule. There have been long-standing demands to include Kumauni and Garhwali in the Eighth Schedule but it is still pending.

Current Status and Challenges

Despite a vibrant history, the dialects and indigenous languages of Uttarakhand face some key challenges:

• Declining usage – Increased reach of Hindi and English is leading to reduced everyday usage of native dialects
• Lack of official recognition – None of the major dialects have official status resulting in low incentive to retain them
• Limitations in education – Native dialects have minimal presence in formal education and academic spaces
• Loss of cultural connect – Younger generation lacking connection to traditional dialects of the state
• Inadequate linguistic research – Detailed scientific documentation is lacking for several dialects

Going forward, coordinated efforts are needed from government, academia, local communities and other stakeholders to preserve and promote the linguistic heritage of Uttarakhand.

The dialects of this state have nurtured its art, music, cuisine and culture over centuries. Losing this heritage can have a profound impact on the society and identity of Uttarakhand. Hence a timely, thoughtful and effective approach is the need of the hour.

Conclusion to Language and Dialects of Uttarakhand

Language and Dialects of Uttarakhand : The languages and dialects of Uttarakhand showcase its composite culture that has absorbed influences from across North India over centuries. The Pahari identity has Kumauni and Garhwali at its center, surrounded by several regional variations and minority tribal languages.

However, declining usage and lack of recognition is posing a threat to their survival. Targeted efforts around conservation, documentation, literacy campaigns and community engagement can help preserve this vital aspect of Uttarakhand’s living heritage. The onus lies on the state government, local bodies, educational institutions and society at large to champion the cause and ensure future generations remain connected to their distinctive linguistic roots.

FAQs on Language and Dialects of Uttarakhand:

What are the main languages spoken in Uttarakhand? 

Hindi, English and Sanskrit are the main recognized languages while Kumauni and Garhwali are the native Pahari dialects.

What script is used to write Kumauni and Garhwali dialects? 

The Kumauni and Garhwali dialects are written in the Devanagari script which is also used to write Hindi.

Which regions of Uttarakhand speak the Kumauni dialect? 

Kumauni is spoken in the Kumaun division covering districts like Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar.

Where is Garhwali dialect spoken in the state? 

The Garhwali dialect is spoken in the Garhwal region covering districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi and Chamoli.

What are some key challenges for Uttarakhand dialects? 

Key challenges are declining usage, lack of official recognition, limitations in formal education, weak cultural connect among youth and inadequate linguistic research.