With almost 1.5 billion people living in India, it is currently the world’s most populous country. However, it is not only the most populated nation; it is also one of the countries with the greatest number of spoken languages. (as reported by Berlitz), it is home to 121 languages and 270 mother tongues.
Did you know there is a 36% chance that two randomly selected Indians will share a language they both understand, according to an analysis of the 2011 Census?
India has 22 official languages, and to connect meaningfully with your target audience, it’s essential to select the right language(s) and establish a localization strategy that resonates with specific regions and communities.
This guide is here to help you make informed choices about Indian languages and give you the tools to craft a successful entry plan.
The Official Languages Spoken in India
Hindi
Hindi is the most spoken language in India and one of the two official languages of the central government. According to the 2011 Census, 43.63% of the population reports Hindi as their mother tongue or first language, mainly in North and Central India, including states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Hindi belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family, the largest language family in India. It’s characterized by its melodic sense, which means that intonation is an essential part of speaking it.
Hindi is listed as the official language of nine states, which is also known as the Hindi Belt, including:
- Himachal Pradesh
- Delhi
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Bihar
- Uttaranchal
- Jharkhand
- Rajasthan
- Chattisgarh
English
English has remained one of India’s official languages since the British Raj. While it is not spoken in daily life by most Indians, it is common among urban and upper‑income groups. Recent estimates suggest that around 250–270 million people in India speak some English, making it one of the largest English‑speaking populations in the world, mostly as a second language.
However, Indian English is a fascinating blend of Hindi and English, known as Hinglish. It’s not the standard English you might be familiar with, but it’s a unique and vibrant form of communication that adds a distinctive flavor to the Indian business landscape.
The 22 Constitutionally Recognized Languages in India.
The Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages as “scheduled languages,” granting them official status at the national level.
Indo-Aryan and Dravidian Languages
In India, languages belong to two major language families: Indo-Aryan and Dravidian language family.
The Indo-Aryan family, which includes Hindi and many other languages spoken in northern and central India, is the largest language family in the country. On the other hand, the Dravidian language family is prominent in southern India, encompassing languages like Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Key Regional Languages
Understanding the critical regional languages in India is crucial for businesses targeting specific states. Each language carries its own cultural significance and serves as a primary communication medium for the local population.
- Bengali: Spoken in West Bengal and Tripura.
- Marathi: Spoken in Maharashtra.
- Tamil: Spoken in Tamil Nadu.
- Telugu: Spoken in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- Gujarati: Spoken in Gujarat.
- Kannada: Spoken in Karnataka.
- Malayalam: Spoken in Kerala.
- Punjabi: Spoken in Punjab.
India’s Wealth of Languages
The 2011 Census of India identified 270 mother tongues spoken by at least 10,000 people nationwide, grouped under 121 main languages. These include both Scheduled and Non‑Scheduled languages.
- Language Families: The native languages of India are categorized into several language families, including Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, Tai-Kadai, and Sino-Tibetan.
- Tribal Languages: India is also home to numerous tribal languages, such as Abujmaria, Garo, Aaria and Tsangla, and Saurashtra. Many of the existing tribal languages are considered endangered, as they face the threat of extinction due to factors such as urbanization, migration, and the dominance of more widely spoken languages.
According to research conducted by the People’s Linguistic Survey of India, Majhi is only spoken by four people now.
Choosing the Right Languages To Enter the Indian Market
Choosing the Right Languages to Enter the Indian Market
Consumer behavior in India can shift dramatically from one region to another, making it crucial to define your target audience and understand their demographics and preferences in detail.
For example, while Hindi is widely spoken in northern states, southern regions are home to languages such as Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. This diversity means a one-size-fits-all approach will likely fall short, underscoring the need for a tailored strategy that respects India’s cultural and linguistic variety.
One important factor to consider is the “digital opportunity” each language presents. This refers to the potential of a language for digital engagement and commerce, including metrics like the number of internet users who speak it, social media activity, online content creation, and the growth of e-commerce within those language communities.
AsiaLocalize Your Partner for Language Success in India
For over a decade, we’ve been working with thousands of reputable businesses to tap into the Indian market, building strategies and Hindi translation services customized only for their business goals.
With the help of our native translators and the most up-to-date technologies, we build culturally relevant messages that attract and engage your audience.
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