Languages
In terms of languages, most people in Uttar Pradesh speak the various dialects of Hindustani, which in a literate form is referred to as Urdu and Hindi. In addition, Uttar Pradesh is home a number of languages, which are sometimes referred to as dialects. Each of the dialect zone has acquired its own distinctive identity, through myths, legends and folklore. Traditionally, five distinct regions tend to be identified, which correspond to a particular dialect grouping. In western Uttar Pradesh, the region of Rohilkhand and the upper Doab is home to the speakers of Khari Boli. The lower Doab is referred to as Braj Bhumi, or the land of Braj, and is home to the speakers of Braj Bhasha. Further south, the Bundelkhand region is home to Bundelkhandi speakers. In central Uttar Pradesh is the region of Awadh, which is also home to the speakers of Awadhi. And final eastern Uttar Pradesh is home to Bhojpuri speakers. Often these dialects merged into each other, for example in Shahjahanpur, Khari boli merges into Awadhi.
However, older districts of Basti, Jaunpur,and western Mirzapur in Purvanchal and Shahjehanpur, Pilbhit, Eastern Badayun and Eastern Farrukhabad in central UP are Awadhi speaking.
Read more about this topic: Demographics Of Uttar Pradesh
Famous quotes containing the word languages:
“The very natural tendency to use terms derived from traditional grammar like verb, noun, adjective, passive voice, in describing languages outside of Indo-European is fraught with grave possibilities of misunderstanding.”
—Benjamin Lee Whorf (1897–1934)
“I am always sorry when any language is lost, because languages are the pedigree of nations.”
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
“People in places many of us never heard of, whose names we can’t pronounce or even spell, are speaking up for themselves. They speak in languages we once classified as “exotic” but whose mastery is now essential for our diplomats and businessmen. But what they say is very much the same the world over. They want a decent standard of living. They want human dignity and a voice in their own futures. They want their children to grow up strong and healthy and free.”
—Hubert H. Humphrey (1911–1978)