Language and Script in Nepal

Debate on Language and Script in Nepal

The debate on language and script is currently at its peak. At this juncture, it is essential to investigate all the scripts available in Nepal.

In Nepali, the term lipi (script) refers to the linear symbols used to represent the sounds of a language in a permanent form. In English, this is called a script. The development of scripts is younger than the development of languages. Most scripts in use worldwide originated from pictographic scripts.

Language

According to the National Census of 2068 BS (2011 AD), Nepal's population was 26,494,504. Nepal is home to 125 ethnic groups and 123 languages. The most widely spoken language is Khas Nepali, spoken by 48% of the population, while the least spoken is the Kusunda language, with only 28 speakers. (The last known native speaker of Kusunda, Rajamama, passed away on April 18, 2018, in Damauli, Tanahun, leading to the belief that the Kusunda language has become extinct in a patriarchal sense. However, according to linguist Prof. Dr. Madhav Prasad Pokharel, three individuals—two women from the Kusunda community and one researcher—still know the language.)

Nepal has languages from four language families:

• Tibeto-Burman Language Family: Includes 64 languages such as Kirat group languages, Magar, Tamang, Gurung, etc.
• Indo-European Language Family: Includes 30 languages, such as Khas Nepali and Nepali Sign Language.
• Austroasiatic Language Family: Includes 4 languages—Santhal, Khadiya, Munda, and Mapande.
• Dravidian Language Family: Includes Jhangad (Uraon) and Kisan languages.

The Kusunda language, considered endangered, remains unclassified. Additionally, 22 foreign languages such as English, Chinese, Dzongkha, and Tibetan are spoken in Nepal. Linguists suggest that over 140 languages, both indigenous and foreign, are spoken in the country.

Script

The term lipi refers to the system of writing characters. An akshara (character) is a complete sound or group of sounds, with or without consonants. In Nepali, lipi denotes the linear symbols used to give permanence to a language’s sounds, referred to as a script in English. Script development is younger than language development, with most scripts worldwide evolving from pictographic forms. Subsequently, ideographic, syllabic, and alphabetic scripts developed, enabling humans to transcend the boundaries of time and place through language. Globally, there are approximately 6,000 languages and 400 scripts. Script usage is believed to have begun around 4000 BCE.

In the context of Nepal, scripts have evolved from the Brahmi script. The Brahmi script branched into two forms: Gupta and Pre-Lichchhavi. From Pre-Lichchhavi, Post-Lichchhavi and Nepal Lipi (including Ranjana and Bhujimol) developed. From Gupta, two branches emerged: Kutila and Tibetan. Kutila led to the development of Devanagari and Maithili scripts, while the Tibetan script, developed in the 7th century, gave rise to Kaithi, Kirati, and Rong scripts. The Kirati script emerged in the 18th century, and the Rong script in the 19th century.

Scripts in Use in Nepal (14 Scripts)

1. Devanagari Script: Used to write Khas Nepali and most other native languages in Nepal. It evolved from the Brahmi script. Initially called Nagari, it was later named Devanagari due to religious connotations. While it has classical writing conventions, it is adapted to suit the characteristics of languages spoken in Nepal. Devanagari is widely used globally.
2. Rong Script: Used to write the Lepcha language, primarily by the Lepcha community in eastern Ilam.
3. Kirati Script: Also known as Sirijanga or Limbu script, it is used by the Kirati Limbu community to write the Limbu language. Other Kirati Rai languages, such as Wambule, Bantawa, Chamling, and Bahing, are also written in this script.
4. Sambhota/Uchen Script: Used to write Tibetan languages, primarily by communities like the Sherpa in the Himalayan region. The Tamang community uses a modified version called Tamayig script.
5. Ranjana Script: Used by the Newar community to write Nepal Bhasa, along with other scripts like Bhujimol, Pachumol, Kummol, Golmol, Litumol, Hinmol, and Kwenmol, collectively known as Newa scripts.
6. Olchiki Script: Used to write the Santhali language in Jhapa and Morang districts.
7. Khema Script: Used by the Tamu (Gurung) community to write their native language.
8. Mithilakshar (Tirhuta) Script: Used to write the Maithili language, with similarities to the Bengali and Ranjana scripts.
9. Akkha Script: Used by the Magar community to write their language, which includes dialects like Dhut, Kaike, and Pang (Kham).
10. Kaithi Script: Used for writing Maithili and Bhojpuri in the Terai region, though Devanagari is more commonly used for accessibility.
11. Dham Script: Used by the Dhimals of Jhapa to write their native language, as seen in the “New Nepal” Dhimai language page of Gorkhapatra Daily.
12. Urdu Script: Urdu language is written in the Persian script. Urdu-speaking communities in Nepal use this script, which is widely recognized internationally.
13. Braille Script: A tactile script used by visually impaired individuals to read by touch. It is used internationally, with variations by country.
14. Roman Script: Originating from Roman civilization, it is primarily used to write English. Many languages worldwide, including in Nepal, use the Roman script. It was widely used in Nepal before Devanagari became the official script for government work.

Additionally, in India’s Sikkim, Rai communities use the Kripasalyana and Jenticha scripts to write the Kirati Koinch (Sunwar) language, and discussions about these scripts are ongoing in Nepal.

Opinion

The Constitution of Nepal (2072 BS/2015 AD) designates languages spoken in the country as “national languages.” A Language Commission has been established under the Constitution to determine the languages for official use, conduct surveys, and study and promote the preservation and development of these languages. It will also recommend the use of mother tongues in education. Dr. Lavdev Awasthi, Chairperson of the Language Commission, states, “Script is an integral part of language, and its classical and contemporary usage is significant. The 14 scripts in use in Nepal will be studied in relation to their usage and technological relevance, with priority given to their promotion and development.”

Linguist Prof. Chudamani Bandhu notes that language and script are tied to the identity of ethnic groups and the nation. As the editor of the book Major Scripts in Use in Nepal, he explains, “In practice, people are more attracted to widely used languages and scripts, making it challenging to maintain the continuous use of Nepal’s scripts.”

Another linguist, Prof. Yogendra Prasad Yadav, emphasizes that with the Language Commission expanding its branches in every province, provincial and local governments should prioritize the preservation of local languages and scripts. “Language, script, and culture are synonymous, so it is essential to preserve their originality,” he suggests.

In Nepal, language, script, and culture are often politicized and turned into issues of rights, which frequently becomes a challenge for the ruling government. However, language is a heritage passed down by ancestors, and script usage is a result of scholarly practice. Therefore, cultural scholars argue that it is appropriate to accept them as cultural heritage.

Ganesh Rai | Kantipur Kosheli