About Odia Language

Odia Language

One of the popular Indo-Aryan languages of India, Odia is primarily spoken in the eastern state of Odisha, where it is the official language and makes up to around 80% of the state’s population.

It also happens to be the second official language of the state of Jharkhand. It is also spoken by minor groups in the other Indian states of Chhatisgarh, West Bengal, as well as Andhra Pradesh.

As on 2016, Odia has more than 60 million native speakers and is among the many official languages of the country, and one of those that have been specifically granted the status of a classical language of India.

The origins of Odia dates back to an era as ancient as the 3^rd century BCE. Other than India, Odia is also spoken at a decent scale of population in eastern countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and also in some western countries like Australia, Canada, the USA, and England. Of late, Odia has also spread its wings and is now being spoken in other countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Burma, Fiji, and Malaysia.

The major dialects of Odia are: Midnapori Odia, Baleswari Odia, Singbhumi Odia, Desiya Odia, Bhatri, Halbi, Sambalpuri Odia, as well as Ganjami Odia.