Kumauni
Population 2,360,000 in India (1998).
Region Uttaranchal, Almora, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Champawat, Udhamsingh Nagar districts; Assam; Bihar; Delhi; Madhya Pradesh; Maharashtra; Nagaland. Central Kumauni is in Almora and northern Nainital, Northeastern Kumauni is in Pithoragarh, Southeastern Kumauni is in Southeastern Nainital, Western Kumauni is west of Almora and Nainital. Also spoken in Nepal.
Alternate names Kamaoni, Kumaoni, Kumau, Kumawani, Kumgoni, Kumman, Kunayaoni
Dialects Central Kumauni, Northeastern Kumauni, Southeastern Kumauni, Western Kumauni. People report the eastern dialects to be different. Names sometimes listed for dialects or subgroups are: Askoti, Bhabari of Rampur, Chaugarkhiya, Danpuriya, Gangola, Johari, Khasparjiya, Kumaiya Pachhai, Pashchimi, Phaldakotiya, Kumaoni, Rau-Chaubhaisi, Sirali, Soriyali. Most closely related to Garwhali and Nepali.
Classification Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Northern zone, Central Pahari
Language use Used in the home and villages. All ages. The Southeast dialect is reported to be 'sweet'. The Central one is the most accepted. Hindi valued as the language of education and progress. English valued as the gateway to success. Hindi used in towns and markets. Spoken by most men, the few women who have been to school, and school-aged children. Men can converse about common topics, some women only about trade.
Language development Literacy rate in second language: 58% (73% men, 41% women). Motivation not high. Kumauni script. Poetry. Magazines. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1825–1876.