Bhutan is a small Himalayan country nestled in the eastern side of the mighty Himalayas. Known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan is renowned worldwide for its pristine natural beauty, ancient Buddhist culture, and philosophy of Gross National Happiness. This tiny nation has worked hard to preserve its cultural identity and richness in the face of modernization and globalization. An integral part of Bhutan’s vibrant culture is its linguistic diversity. But what exactly is the national language of Bhutan? Let’s find out as we explore the linguistic landscape of this fascinating country.

Introduction

Bhutan is home to a variety of ethnic groups like the Ngalops, Sharchops, Nepali-speakers and more. With its unique geography of high mountains and deep valleys, several languages and dialects have flourished in the country over centuries. However, there is one language that binds the people of Bhutan together and enjoys special nationwide prominence – Dzongkha.

In this blog, we will identify Dzongkha as the national language of Bhutan and discuss its origins, history and significance in Bhutanese society today. We will also explore the other major languages spoken by people across Bhutan and their regional importance. The role of Dzongkha in administration, education and preservation of culture will be highlighted. Lastly, we will examine the prevalence of Hindi, linguistic challenges faced by Bhutan and the efforts to tackle them.

The National Language of Bhutan

Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan. It holds a special place in the culture and collective identity of Bhutan and its people. Let’s learn more about its origins and history.

Origin and History of Dzongkha

Dzongkha directly translates to the “language of fortified districts” or the language spoken in dzongs. It has its roots in Classical Tibetan language which later evolved into Chöke, the precursor of Dzongkha. The language flourished and developed through the centuries since the 17th century, especially during the reign of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan.

Over time, Dzongkha assimilated certain elements from other Tibetan dialects as well as languages in eastern Bhutan like Bumthangkha, Khengkha and Kurtöpkha. However, it retained its Tibetan origin and core while developing a distinct national identity. The language was declining during the late 19th century but was revived in the 20th century.

The Significance of Dzongkha in Bhutanese Society

Dzongkha holds a special place in the hearts of Bhutanese people as a core element of their culture and identity. Though it is mainly spoken in Western Bhutan, it is revered across the country as the guardian of Bhutan’s traditions. The development of literature and script in Dzongkha since the late 1950s also elevated its status.

Dzongkha was officially adopted as the national language of Bhutan in 1971. It is mandatory for all Bhutanese children to learn Dzongkha in school. The government also promotes the use of Dzongkha in official communications, documents, media and public events. Dzongkha serves as a unifying force for Bhutan’s diverse ethnic and linguistic groups.

Other Languages Spoken in Bhutan

While Dzongkha is the official national language, Bhutan is home to an array of other regional languages and dialects. Let’s get an overview of the rich linguistic diversity of the country.

More than 19 languages are spoken across Bhutan by various ethnic groups. Some of the major ones are:

• Tshangla – Spoken by the Sharchops in Eastern Bhutan
• Bumthangkha – The dominant language in Central Bhutan
• Lhotshamkha – Spoken by Lhotshampas of Nepali ethnicity in Southern Bhutan
• Khengkha – Used by the Khengpas in Central-Western Bhutan
• Kurtoepkha – Used by the Kurtoeps in Eastern Bhutan
• Nepali – Widely used by Nepali-origin citizens and communities

These languages have their own scripts and literature. Tshangla, for instance, uses the Tibetan script while Lhotshamkha employs the Devanagari script. However, Dzongkha remains the common tongue for communication between people of different ethnicities.

Importance of Dzongkha in Bhutanese Administration and Education

While allowing linguistic diversity, Bhutan has also taken care to preserve and promote Dzongkha in official and public domains.

Dzongkha as the Medium of Instruction in Schools

Dzongkha is the medium of instruction in schools in Bhutan for most subjects. English is also taught as a second language from early grades. Students have compulsory Dzongkha classes where they learn to read, write and converse in it. This encourages literacy and fluency in the national language from a young age.

Official Communications and Media

All official documents and communications of the Royal Government happen in Dzongkha. Public signage and announcements are also made in Dzongkha across the country. The national radio and television networks broadcast programs mainly in Dzongkha.

Preserving Culture and Religion

Dzongkha holds a vital role in the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural and religious heritage. Ancient religious scriptures and rituals are in the Classical Tibetan form. Buddhist philosophy and prayers are imparted to monks in Dzongkha. It also enables the passing down of age-old traditions, folk stories and more to younger generations.

Is Hindi Spoken in Bhutan?

There is a popular notion that Hindi is commonly spoken and understood in Bhutan due to the influence of India. The actual situation is more nuanced.

Bhutan does share strong cultural ties with India due to proximity, migration and media. Many Bhutanese, especially in urban areas and the south, can comprehend conversational Hindi. Some Hindi vocabulary has also been adopted into Dzongkha over time. But Hindi is not widely spoken or used in Bhutan.

In the past, Hindi films and songs were popular in Bhutan. But Dzongkha and English movies have now gained more viewership. Some Hindi channels are also available on Bhutanese cable TV. But most media consumption happens in Dzongkha and English. Overall, while Bhutan maintains close ties with India, Dzongkha and English remain the predominant languages.

Linguistic Challenges and Preservation Efforts

In the face of modernization and globalization, Bhutan has taken active measures to protect and promote Dzongkha. Let’s understand some key challenges and preservation efforts.

Maintaining Purity of Dzongkha

With rising Western influences, the purity of written and spoken Dzongkha faces dilution from the encroachment of foreign words and phrases. Linguistic authorities constantly work on coining new Dzongkha terms for modern concepts instead of adopting foreign words. Strict guidelines also exist on Dzongkha spelling, grammar and pronunciation.

Promoting Dzongkha Usage Among Youth

A major challenge is ensuring the younger generation retains fluency and pride in their mother tongue. Educational reforms make Dzongkha instruction mandatory for school kids. Mass media, books, music, films and more creative content is produced in Dzongkha to inspire youth. Public events and workshops are conducted to enrich Dzongkha linguistic skills and cultural knowledge among youngsters.

Tackling Influence of English

While English is indispensable in today’s world, Bhutan is cautious about letting it overshadow Dzongkha. Along with English, skill development in Dzongkha is also emphasized in higher education and employment. All key public services and information are provided in Dzongkha as well. These efforts safeguard Dzongkha’s status despite the spread of English.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dzongkha holds a prestigious position as the living identity of Bhutan. It preserves the cultural memory and integrity of the Bhutanese nation. The linguistic diversity of the land is also thriving under the unifying umbrella of Dzongkha. Through stringent policies, education and promotion, Bhutan strives to balance modernization and Western influences while keeping Dzongkha at the heart of society. The youth also has a vital role to play in keeping Bhutan’s mother tongue alive and vibrant.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about the languages spoken in Bhutan, answered in short:

Q: What language does Bhutan speak?

A: Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan which is widely used across the country.

Q: What is Bhutan’s language?

A: Dzongkha is the official national language as well as mother tongue of Bhutan. It has its origins in Tibetan.

Q: What language do they speak in Bhutan?

A: The most widely spoken language in Bhutan is Dzongkha followed by Tshanglakha. Many other minority languages are also used regionally.

Q: How many languages are spoken in Bhutan?

A: There are over 19 languages and dialects spoken across Bhutan including Dzongkha, Tshanglakha, Lhotshamkha, Nepali etc.