Maithilispeaking

Maithilispeaking refers to people who speak Maithili, an Eastern Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. It is part of the Bihari subgroup and shares close ties with Bhojpuri and Magahi.

Geographic distribution: In India, Maithili is concentrated in the Mithila region of Bihar and nearby districts; in Nepal, it is widely spoken in the eastern Terai and among Maithili communities in several districts. There are also diaspora communities with Maithili heritage in countries with Indian and Nepalese connections.

Name and writing system: Maithili was traditionally written in the Tirhuta script, but today most writing uses Devanagari. Tirhuta remains part of cultural and scholarly contexts and is the subject of revival efforts.

Classification and dialects: Maithili encompasses several dialects, with standard Maithili based on central Mithila speech. Dialectal variation affects pronunciation, vocabulary, and some grammatical forms across regions.

Status and recognition: Maithili was added to the Indian Constitution’s Eighth Schedule in 2003, giving it official status in India. In Nepal, Maithili is widely used and has recognition in education and media, reflecting its regional importance.

Culture and literature: The language has a rich literary tradition dating to Vidyapati and other medieval poets, continuing today through contemporary writers, journalists, and artists. Maithili literature, theatre, music, and digital media contribute to its cultural presence.

Education and media: Maithili is taught in a number of schools and universities, supported by literary societies, dictionaries, and online resources that promote learning and preservation.