Language
The Garo language belongs to the Bodo–Garo branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family. As the Garo language is not traditionally written down, customs, traditions, and beliefs are handed down orally. It is also believed that the written language was lost in its transit to the present Garo Hills.
Garo language has different dialects, viz- A·beng or Am·beng, Matabeng, Atong, Me·gam, Matchi, Dual Ruga, Chibok, Chisak, Gara, Gan·ching A·we etc. In Bangladesh A·beng is the usual dialect, but A·chik is used more in India. A·we has become the standard dialect of the Garos. A·we is used in Garo literature and hence for the translation of the Bible. The Garo language has some similarities with Boro-Kachari, Rava, Dimasa and Kok-Borok languages.
However, the modern official language in schools and government offices is English and the modern generation is more inclined towards English.
Read more about this topic: Garo People
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