GUJARATI LANGUAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Gujarati language is an Indo-Aryan language that is primarily spoken by the Gujarati people of western India. It is the official language of the Indian state of Gujarat and is also a recognized minority language in the union territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. With approximately 46 million speakers, Gujarati is one of the most widely spoken languages in India.
The Gujarati language has a rich literary tradition that dates back several centuries. It uses a modified version of the Devanagari script, making it similar to other Indian languages such as Hindi and Sanskrit. It has its own unique set of grammar rules, vocabulary, and phonetics.
Gujarati is characterized by its unique blend of Indo-Aryan and Prakrit influences. This language also incorporates numerous loanwords from Arabic, Persian, and other Indic languages, reflecting its historical interactions with neighboring regions.
Gujarati literature encompasses a wide range of genres, including poetry, folk songs, plays, and novels. Works in Gujarati have contributed significantly to the development of regional literature in western India.
With the spread of the Gujarati diaspora worldwide, particularly in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, the language has gained prominence outside of India. To cater to the needs of these communities, Gujarati language instruction is offered in educational institutions and cultural organizations in various countries.
Etymology of GUJARATI LANGUAGE
The word "Gujarati" originates from the region of Gujarat in western India. The term "Gujarat" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Gurjara" and "Rashtra", meaning "land of the Gurjars". The Gurjars were a prominent tribe that ruled the area during ancient times. Thus, the language spoken in this region came to be known as the "Gujarati language" due to its association with Gujarat.
