The spelling of the word "Newari" is pronounced /nɛwɑːri/. The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down each sound in the word to make it easier to understand the pronunciation. "N" is pronounced as the letter, "ɛ" represents the "e" sound in "pet," "w" is pronounced as "wuh," "ɑː" represents the "a" sound in "car," "r" is pronounced as the letter, and "i" is pronounced as "ee." Newari is a language spoken by the Newar people in Nepal.
Newari refers to the language and culture of the Newa people, an ethnic group primarily residing in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It is also known as Nepal Bhasa. Newari is a Tibeto-Burman language that has been spoken for centuries and has a rich literary tradition. It is classified as a Sino-Tibetan language and is closely related to the languages spoken in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim.
In its written form, Newari uses the Ranjana script, a script that is unique to the language. The language has a complex grammar with various tenses, cases, and conjugations. Newari vocabulary has been influenced by Sanskrit, Prakrit, and various regional dialects. Historically, Newari was the language of trade, commerce, and art in the Kathmandu Valley, making it an integral part of the region's cultural identity.
Beyond language, Newari culture is characterized by its traditional rituals, festivals, dances, music, and art forms. It has a distinct Newar architectural style that can be seen in the ancient temples, palaces, and residential buildings of the Kathmandu Valley. The Newar people have also excelled in various crafts such as wood carving, metalwork, pottery, and stone sculpture.
Despite its rich history and cultural significance, the Newari language and culture face challenges in the modern era. The influence of Nepali and globalization has resulted in a decline in the usage of Newari among the younger generation. Efforts are being made to preserve and promote the Newari language through education, cultural events, and literature.
The word "Newari" is derived from the term "Nepal Bhasa" or "Nepāl Bhāsā" in the Newa language, which is the indigenous language of the Newar people. The Newar people are an ethnic group living in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas of Nepal. The term "Newari" is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "Nava", meaning "new" or "fresh". This refers to the Newar people's own sense of cultural and linguistic distinctiveness within the broader context of Nepal. Over time, "Nepal Bhasa" came to be known as "Newari" in English and other languages.