Assamese language
Assamese Language
Assamese (/'æsəˈmi:z/; Assamese: অসমীয়া Ôxômiya) is an Eastern Indo-Aryan language spoken mainly in the Indian state of Assam, where it is an official language. It is the easternmost Indo-European language, spoken by over 15 million speakers, and serves as a lingua franca in the region.
Etymology
The term "Assamese" is derived from the English word "Assam" by which the tract consisting of the Brahmaputra Valley and its adjoining areas are known. The people call their state Ôxôm and their language Ôxômiya.
Phonology
Assamese has a mixture of Indo-Aryan and non-Indo-Aryan elements in its phonology, vocabulary, and grammar. It has a rich system of compound verbs, which are not common in other Indo-Aryan languages.
Grammar
Assamese grammar has its roots in the Sanskrit, and has been influenced by the local Tibeto-Burman languages and the Khasi language. The Assamese script is similar to the Bengali script.
Vocabulary
The Assamese vocabulary is infused with words from Sanskrit, Bengali, Maithili, and other Indo-Aryan languages. It also has a significant number of words of Tibeto-Burman and Austroasiatic origin.
Related Terms
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