Shabar

Shabar refers to a group of Indo-Aryan languages spoken primarily in the Indian states of Odisha and Jharkhand, and parts of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. These languages are closely related to Bengali and Assamese. While sometimes considered a single language, linguists often classify them as a dialect continuum or a group of closely related dialects. The term "Shabar" itself can be ambiguous, sometimes referring to specific dialects or to the broader linguistic cluster.

The exact number of speakers and the precise classification of Shabar languages are subjects of ongoing linguistic research. However, it is generally understood that the languages are spoken by tribal communities, many of whom also speak other regional languages. The vocabulary and grammar of Shabar languages exhibit influences from neighboring major languages like Odia and Bengali, reflecting historical and cultural interactions. Efforts to document and preserve these languages are important for understanding the linguistic diversity of eastern India.

Historically, the Shabar languages have not been standardized or extensively written, with oral traditions playing a significant role in their transmission. This has led to considerable variation across different regions and communities. The linguistic landscape of the areas where Shabar is spoken is complex, often involving multilingualism.