What language is spoken by the majority of Buddhist followers known as Ladakhis?
Q: What language is spoken by the majority of Buddhist followers known as Ladakhis?
A: The Ladakhis speak a Tibetic language called Ladakhi.
Q: Where do the Ladakhis live?
A: The Ladakhis live in Ladakh, which is part of the greater region of Kashmir, divided between India, Pakistan and China.
Q: How is the language of Ladakhi related to Balti?
A: The language of Ladakhi is closely related to Balti, a language spoken in the neighboring region of Baltistan which is controlled by Pakistan.
Q: What other languages are similar to or have evolved from Ladakhi?
A: There are many varieties of Ladakhi, including those which have evolved into different languages like Zangskari and Changthang. The Purgi language has been considered a mix of Balti and Ladakhi.
Q: Is there another name for the language spoken by the people in India's control over Kashmir?
A: Yes, locally it is known as Bhoti and this has been recognized by India's government.
Q: What other languages does Ladakhi contain loanwords from?
A: In addition to Tibetan, which was used to create it, Ladakhi contains many loanwords from Kashmiri and Hindi.
Q: How many people speak this language in China?
A: Approximately 12,000 people speak this language in China.
