Nepali language: The Heart of Nepal
Namaste!
Welcome to our journey to learn another pleasant language, Nepali. Nepal is a country of incredible cultural diversity, and at the center of this cultural mosaic lies its beautiful language, Nepali.
Nepali, also known as Gorkhali or Parbatiya, is the official language of Nepal. Spoken by over 17 million people worldwide, Nepali is not just a means of communication but a reflection of Nepal’s rich history, traditions, and values.
Let’s go back in time.
Nepali’s roots lie in the Indo-Aryan family of languages, evolving from Sanskrit. Its written form uses the Devanagari script, the same as Hindi and Sanskrit . However, Nepali has its own unique flair- a mix of Sanskrit, Tibeto-Burman, and even Persian and Arabic influences due to centuries of trade and migration. Interestingly, Nepali was initially the language of the Gorkhas, a warrior clan. It spread across the region with the rise of the Gorkha Kingdom, and today, it serves as a unifying tongue in a country with over 120 distinct languages. Now, isn’t that fascinating?Beyond its historical significance, Nepali has blossomed in the world of literature, music, and cinema.
One of the towering figures in Nepali literature is Laxmi Prasad Devkota. Devkota, often hailed as the ‘Shakespeare of Nepal,’ gave us timeless works like ‘Muna Madan’- an epic poem that captures the soul of Nepal’s rural life. His poignant reflections on love, loss, and human dignity resonate deeply with readers, even today.
In his writings, Devkota said, ‘It’s better to be insane and poetic, than be mundane and wise,’ capturing the very essence of human emotion through the Nepali language. But it’s not just about the past. Modern Nepali creatives continue to make their mark. Take Parijat, one of Nepal’s most revered female authors, whose novel ‘Shirishko Phool’ explores themes of love, war, and existential angst, still relevant in today’s world. Or Bhupi Sherchan, whose poetry speaks of Nepal’s social issues, touching the hearts of readers with his human-centered approach. Music and cinema have also become powerful platforms for the Nepali language. From traditional folk songs to modern-day Nepali pop, the language is alive in the voices of artists who bring its sounds to every corner of the globe. Filmmakers like Nischal Basnet have also brought the beauty of Nepali culture and language to international audiences through films like ‘Loot.’” And Nepali is not just limited to Nepal. Today, it’s spoken by communities in India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and even parts of the United Kingdom and the U.S. Thanks to the global Nepali diaspora, the language continues to thrive and evolve, even beyond its homeland. Learning Nepali opens doors to understanding Nepal’s vibrant culture, ancient wisdom, and it’s warm, hospitable people.
Thank you for joining us in exploring the richness of the Nepali language. Till next time – ‘Dhanyavaad!’ Thank you!