Languages of Odisha:
Odisha, a culturally rich state on India’s eastern coast, showcases remarkable linguistic diversity. The people of Odisha primarily speak Odia (also spelled Oriya), which serves as the official language of the state. As an Indo-Aryan language, Odia holds the status of a classical language of India, thanks to its ancient literary tradition and cultural significance. Citizens use Odia widely in administration, education, and media throughout the state.
In various regions, especially in tribal-dominated areas, communities speak several other languages and dialects. People in these areas commonly use Santali, Kui, Ho, Munda, Bhumij, and Saura—languages that belong to the Austroasiatic or Dravidian families. Though most of these remain primarily oral, local communities and language activists have made efforts to develop scripts and preserve their literature.
Smaller communities in urban regions and near the state borders also speak Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali. In western Odisha, the population actively uses Sambalpuri, a regional dialect of Odia known for its vibrant folk culture and music. Similarly, speakers of Kosali and Desia add further richness to Odisha’s linguistic landscape.
Odisha’s people also use English for higher education, official communication, and business purposes. The state government encourages multilingual education, especially in tribal regions, to help preserve local languages while ensuring access to mainstream learning.
In essence, the people of Odisha contribute to a rich linguistic tapestry by speaking classical languages, regional dialects, and tribal tongues. This active use of multiple languages reflects the state’s deep-rooted cultural identity and diversity.
Statistics
Odia serves as the official language of Odisha, spoken by around 82.70% of the population, as reported in the 2011 Census of India. Recognized as one of the classical languages of India, Odia holds a prestigious place in the country’s linguistic heritage. While English is used for official communication between the state government and the central government, Odia remains the primary language within the state.
The spoken form of Odia varies across regions, with several distinct dialects enriching its usage. Prominent dialects include Sambalpuri, Cuttacki, Puri, Baleswari, Ganjami, Desiya, Kalahandia, and Phulbani, each reflecting the local flavor and cultural identity of its region. Among these, the Cuttacki dialect forms the basis of standard Odia used in formal and literary contexts.
Besides Odia, many urban areas in Odisha are home to diverse linguistic communities that speak Hindi, Telugu, Urdu, and Bengali, adding to the state’s vibrant multicultural and multilingual character.
