See language map.
Languages of Bangladesh
See the Ethnologue listing for Bangladesh.
[See also SIL publicationson the languages of Bangladesh.]
People’s Republic of Bangladesh, GaNa Prajãtantrï Bangladesh. Formerly East Pakistan. 153,281,000. Population density 2.467 per square mile. 814,000 speakers of Tibeto-Burman languages, 185,000 speakers of Austro-Asiatic Languages, 47,000 speakers of Dravidian languages. National or official language: Bengali. Literacy rate: 42%. Immigrant languages: Eastern Panjabi (23,700), Gujarati (250), Hindi (346,000), Oriya (32,500). Information mainly from B. Comrie 1987; J. Matisoff, S. Baron and J. Lowe 1996. Blind population: 880,416. Deaf population: 7,596,511. Deaf institutions: 14. The number of individual languages listed for Bangladesh is 42. Of those, all are living languages.
| Assamese | [asm] 9,000 in Bangladesh. Alternate names: Asambe, Asami, Ahomiyo. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| A’tong | [aot] 5,400 in Bangladesh. Northern Netrokona District. Alternate names: Attong. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Koch More information. |
| Bengali | [ben] 110,000,000 in Bangladesh (2001 census).
250,000,000 including L2 speakers. Population total all countries:
181,272,900. West. Also in Canada, India, Malawi, Nepal, Saudi Arabia,
Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States. Alternate names: Banga-Bhasa, Bangala, Bangla. Dialects:
Languages or dialects in the Bengali group according to Grierson:
Central (Standard) Bengali, Western Bengali (Kharia Thar, Mal Paharia,
Saraki), Southwestern Bengali, Northern Bengali (Koch, Siripuria),
Rajbanshi, Bahe, Eastern Bengali (East Central, including Sylheti),
Haijong, Southeastern Bengali (Chakma), Ganda, Vanga, Chittagonian
(possible dialect of Southeastern Bengali). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| Bihari | [urd] 250,000 in Bangladesh (2003 SIL). Mainly refugee camps in 13 districts. Alternate names: Urdu. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Hindustani More information. |
| Bishnupriya | [bpy] 40,000 in Bangladesh (2003). 1%
monolingual. Sylhet Division, Moulvibazar District; southern Habiganj
District, Sylhet City, 1 village; Sunamganj District, 2 villages. Alternate names: Bishnupria, Bishnupuriya, Bisna Puriya. Dialects: Rajar Gang, Madai Gang. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| Burmese | [mya] 300,000 in Bangladesh (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Myanmar border area. Alternate names: Bama, Bamachaka, Myen. Dialects: Bomang. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern More information. |
| Chak | [ckh] 5,500 in Bangladesh (2002). Arakan Blue Mountains, Baishari, Bandarban, south Naikhongchari area, Bishar Chokpra. Alternate names: Sak, Tsak. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jinghpo-Konyak-Bodo, Jinghpo-Luish, Luish More information. |
| Chakma | [ccp] 150,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Population total
all countries: 550,000. Southeast, Chittagong Hills area, and
Chittagong City. Also in India. Alternate names: Sangma, Sakma, Takam. Dialects: Chakma of India [ccp] understood with difficulty. Lexical similarity: 58%–67% with Tanchangya [tnv]. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| Chin, Asho | [csh] 2,340 in Bangladesh (1991 census). Bandarban, Chittagong, and Rangamati districts. Alternate names: Khyang, Khyeng, Qin, Sho, Shoa. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern, Sho More information. |
| Chin, Bawm | [bgr] 13,500 in Bangladesh (1991 census). Chittagong Hills. Alternate names: Bawm, Bawn, Bawng, Bom. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central More information. |
| Chin, Falam | [cfm] Alternate names: Falam, Fallam, Halam, Hallam Chin. Dialects: Chorei, Zanniat. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern More information. |
| Chin, Haka | [cnh] 1,260 in Bangladesh (2000). Alternate names: Baungshe, Haka, Lai. Dialects: Klangklang (Thlantlang), Zokhua, Shonshe. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central More information. |
| Chin, Khumi | [cnk] 2,090 in Bangladesh. Bandarban District, Thanchi, Ruma, and Rowanchari subdistricts. Alternate names: Kami, Khami, Khumi, Khuni, Khweymi, Kumi. Dialects: Khimi, Yindi (Yindu), Khami. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern, Khumi More information. |
| Chittagonian | [ctg] 13,000,000 (2006 SIL). Chittagong region. Alternate names: Chatgaiyan Buli, Chatgaya, Chittagonian Bengali. Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with Bengali [ben],
although considered a nonstandard Bengali dialect. Dialects form a
contiuum from north to south, with a larger religious distinction
between Muslim and others. Rohingya in Myanmar is similar to the
southern dialect of Chittagonian. Lexical similarity: 43%–64% with
Bangla [ben]. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| Garo | [grt] 120,000 in Bangladesh (2005). Mymensingh plains, Tangail Sherpur, Madhupur, Jamelpur, Netrakona, Sylhet, Dhaka. Alternate names: Garrow, Mande, Mandi. Dialects: Abeng, Achik, Brak, Chibok, Dual. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Garo More information. |
| Hajong | [haj] 8,000 in Bangladesh (2005). Dhaka Division, Rangpur District east to Sunamganj District. Alternate names: Hajang. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| Indian Sign Language | [ins] Classification: Deaf sign language More information. |
| Khasi | [kha] Very few speakers. Alternate names: Cossyah, Kahasi, Khasie, Khasiyas, Khassee, Khuchia, Kyi. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khasian More information. |
| Koch | [kdq] 6,000 in Bangladesh (2006 SIL). Alternate names: Koc, Kocch, Koce, Kochboli, Konch. Dialects: Tintekiya, Chapra. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Koch More information. |
| Koda | [cdz] 1,300 in Bangladesh (2005). Population total all
countries: 1,600. Rajshahi Division, Puthia and Mundumala areas. Also
in India. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 49%–55% with Santali [sat]; 61%–67% with Mundari [unr], 57%–60% with Kol [biw]; wordlist contained 19% Bengali [ben] words. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Mundari More information. |
| Kok Borok | [trp] 5,000 in Bangladesh. Alternate names: Debbarma, Tipura, Tripura, Tripuri. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Bodo More information. |
| Kurux | [kru] 40,000 in Bangladesh, decreasing. Ethnic population: 50,000. Alternate names: Kurukh, Oraoan, Uraon. Classification: Dravidian, Northern More information. |
| Marma | [rmz] 150,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Population total
all countries: 166,500. Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachari
districts. Also in India. Alternate names: “Mogh”. Dialects: Related to Rakhine [rki]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern More information. |
| Megam | [mef] 6,870 (2000). Netrokona District, Kalmakanda Subdistrict. Alternate names: Migam, Negam. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 7%–9% with Abeng [grt], 60% with Lyngngam [lyg]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Garo More information. |
| Meitei | [mni] 15,000 in Bangladesh (2003). 2%
monolingual. Sylhet District, Moulvi Bazar District (Kamalganj
Subdistrict) and Sylhet City. Alternate names: Kathe, Kathi, Manipuri, Meetei, Meiteiron, Meithe, Meithei, Mitei, Mithe, Ponna. Dialects: Hindu Meitei, Pangan (Pangal). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Meitei More information. |
| Mizo | [lus] 250 in Bangladesh (1991 census). Rangamati, Sajek. Alternate names: Hualngo, Lei, Lusai, Lushai, Lushei, Sailau, Whelngo. Dialects: Ralte, Dulien, Ngente, Mizo, Le. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central More information. |
| Mru | [mro] 30,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Population total all countries: 51,230. Bandarban District. Also in India, Myanmar. Alternate names: Maru, Mrung, Murung. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 13% with Mro Chin [emr]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Mru More information. |
| Mundari | [unr] 2,500 in Bangladesh (2005 Caritas). Ethnic
population: 5,000. Rajshahi Division, Dinajpur and Naogaon districts;
Sylhet Division, various tea estates. Alternate names: Colh, Horo, Mandari, Mondari, Munari, Munda. Dialects: Hasada’, Latar, Naguri, Kera’. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Mundari More information. |
| Pangkhua | [pkh] 2,500 in Bangladesh (2007). Population total all countries: 2,730. Rangamati Dustrict. Also in India, Myanmar. Alternate names: Pangkhu, Pankho, Panko, Pankhu. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central More information. |
| Pnar | [pbv] 4,000 in Bangladesh (2002). Northeast along India
border; Sylhet Division, Sylhet District, near Jaflong, Tamabil,
Jaintiapur, and north of Raipur; Moulavi Bazar District, near
Fenchuganj, Madhabkunda, Barlekha, Goalbari, Fultala, Alinagar,
Islampur, Khajori, Rashidpur, Satgoan, and Kamalganj. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khasian More information. |
| Rakhine | [rki] 35,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Cox’s Bazaar, Patuakhali, and Barguna districts. Alternate names: Rakhain, Rakkhaine, Mogh. Dialects: Rakhine, Sitwe. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern More information. |
| Rangpuri | [rkt] 10,000,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Population total
all countries: 15,000,000. Rajshahi Division north from Bogra, also
known as the greater Dinajpur and Rangpur areas, now subdivided into
Rangpur, Lalmonihat, Nilphamari, Gaibanda, Panchagar, Thakurgaon, and
Dinajpur districts. Also in India. Alternate names: Bahe Bangla, Anchalit Bangla, Kamta, Polia. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| Riang | [ria] 500 in Bangladesh (2007). Rangamati District. Alternate names: Kau Bru, Reang. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Bodo More information. |
| Rohingya | [rhg] 200,000 in Bangladesh (2006). Cox’s Bazaar District. Alternate names: Rohinga, Rohinja. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| Sadri, Oraon | [sdr] 166,000 (2000). Throughout Rajshahi Division;
Sylhet Division, Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts; Khulna Division,
Jhenaidah District (Jhenaidah Subdistrict, Moheshpur Subdistrict),
Kushtia District (Mirpur Subdistrict), Magura District (Magura
Subdistrict). Dialects:
Borail Sadri, Nurpur Sadri, Uchai Sadri, Mokkan Tila Sadri. Dialects
may need separate literature. Inherent intelligibility of 7 Sadri
varieties on Borail ranges from 70%–93%; of 8 varieties on Nurpur from
78%–94%. Lexical similarity: of 14 Sadri varieties with the Borail
Sadri dialect ranges from 88%–97%. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bihari More information. |
| Santali | [sat] 157,000 in Bangladesh (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Alternate names: Har, Hor, Sandal, Sangtal, Santal, Santhali, Satar, Sonthal. Dialects: Santali, Mahali (Mahle). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Santali More information. |
| Sauria Paharia | [mjt] 7,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Alternate names: Malto, Paharia. Classification: Dravidian, Northern More information. |
| Sylheti | [syl] 7,000,000 in Bangladesh. Population total all
countries: 10,300,000. Districts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj,
Moulvibazar. Also in Australia, Canada, India, Italy, Malaysia
(Peninsular), Myanmar, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States. Alternate names: Sileti, Siloti, Sylhetti, Sylhetti Bangla, Syloti, Syloty, Srihattia. Dialects: Similar to Bengali [ben], Assamese [asm]. Lexical similarity: 70% with Bengali. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| Tangchangya | [tnv] 21,600 (1991 census). Chittagong Hills. Alternate names: Tanchangya. Dialects: 90% intelligibility of Chakma [ccp]. Lexical similarity: 58%–67% with Chakma. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese More information. |
| Tippera | [tpe] 85,000. Chittagong Hills, Khagrachari District, Chittagong District, Fatikchari Subdistrict. Alternate names: Kok Borok, Tipperah, Tippurah, Tipra, Tipura, Triperah, Tripura. Dialects:
Naitong, Dendak, Gabing, Khali, Phatung, Tongpai, Anok, Kewa, Kema,
Aslong. 36 dialects. Lexical similarity: 56%–85% between dialects,
61%–74% with Kok Borok [trp], 53%–65% with Riang [ria], 37%–59% with Usoi Tripura [usi]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Bodo More information. |
| Usoi | [usi] 22,400. Bandarban District. Alternate names: Kau Brung, Tippera, Tripura, Unshoi, Unsuiy, Ushoi. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 88% between Panji and Joloi dialects, 59%–67% with Riang [ria], 47%–58% with Kok Borok [trp], 37%–59% with Tippera [tpe]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Bodo More information. |
| War-Jaintia | [aml] 16,000 in Bangladesh (2003 SIL). 25% monolingual.
Population total all countries: 28,000. Northeast along India border;
Sylhet Division, Sylhet District, near Jaflong, Tamabil, Jaintiapur,
and north of Raipur; Moulavi Bazar District, near Fenchuganj,
Madhabkunda, Barlekha, Goalbari, Fultala, Alinagar, Islampur, Khajori,
Rashidpur, Satgoan and Kamalganj. Also in India. Dialects: War-Jaintia, War-Khasi. Not intelligible with Lyngngam [kha], Khasi War [aml] or Jowai, partially intelligible with Synteng [pbv], Standard Khasi [kha]
55% (acquired); sufficient to understand complex and abstract discourse
with War-Jaintia in India. Lexical similarity: 86%–92% between dialects
in Bangladesh; 83%–89% between War-Jaintia in India and Bangladesh;
India variety 41%–45% with Pnar [pbv] (from scant data); 27%–35% with standard Khasi [kha]; 24%–28% with War dialect of Khasi. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khasian More information. |
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