Gujarati: A Beginner’s Guide to a Fascinating Language
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Welcome to our Beginner’s Guide to Gujarati! In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials of the Gujarati language, including its origins, global presence, and unique script. You’ll learn about common phrases for basic communication and meet some famous Gujarati speakers. Plus, we’ll offer tips on how to effectively start learning Gujarati, including resources like Gujarati songs on Spotify and our face-to-face Gujarati courses at Language Trainers.
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Is Gujarati a Language?
Yes, Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language native to the Indian state of Gujarat. It is one of the 22 languages listed in the Indian Constitution and is officially recognised in both Gujarat and the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. With roots dating back to Old Gujarati (circa 1100–1500 CE), it has evolved into one of the most widely spoken languages in India. Today, it ranks as the 6th most spoken language in the country, with over 55 million speakers, making up around 4.5% of India’s population.
Gujarati is also one of the fastest-growing Indian languages, not only in India but across the globe, especially in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, thanks to the Gujarati diaspora.
Where is the Gujarati Language Spoken?
While Gujarat is the primary region where Gujarati is spoken, the language has a global presence due to the extensive migration of the Gujarati people. In India, Gujarati is also widely spoken in the financial hub of Mumbai. Outside of India, you can find significant Gujarati-speaking communities in Pakistan, especially in the city of Karachi.
Globally, Gujarati is prominent in countries with a large Indian diaspora. In the United States and Canada, it is among the languages experiencing the most rapid increase in speakers . In the UK, particularly in London, Gujarati is the fourth most spoken language. Gujarati-speaking communities are also present in Southeast Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa. Other regions where Gujarati can be found include Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and parts of the Middle East, such as the UAE and Bahrain.
The Gujarati Alphabet
The Gujarati alphabet is a syllabic script, meaning each consonant comes with a built-in vowel sound [ə], which is like the weak ‘a’ vowel sound in sofa. To change this vowel sound, small marks called diacritics are added around the letter. For example, ‘ક’ (kə) can become ‘કી’ (kī) by adding a mark for the vowel ‘ī’, or ‘કા’ (kā) by adding the mark for ‘ā’, which has a similar sound to the long ‘a’ in father.
In Gujarati, vowels can either stand alone or modify consonants, and consonants are grouped by how they’re pronounced. For instance, ‘ક’ (k) is a sound made at the back of the mouth, while ‘ગ’ (g) is pronounced in the same place but sounds stronger because it’s voiced. By learning how to combine consonants and vowels, you can form words like ‘હો’ (ho), where ‘હ’ (hə) changes to ‘ho’ with the mark for the vowel ‘o’.
Common Gujarati Phrases for Basic Communication
Here are some additional common phrases to help with basic communication in Gujarati:
- Hello / Hi
હેલો (Helo)
હાય (Haay) - Goodbye
અલવિદા (Alvida) - Please
કૃપા કરીને (Krupa karine) - Thank you
આભાર (Aabhar) - Yes
હા (Haa) - No
ના (Naa) - How are you?
તમે કેમ છો? (Tame kem cho?)
કેમ છો? (Kem cho?) - I am fine, thank you.
હું મજા માં છું, ધન્યવાદ. (Hu maja ma chu, dhanyavaad.) - Excuse me
માફ કરશો (Maaf karsho)
શુભ કામના (Shubh kaamna) - Sorry
માફ કરશો (Maaf karsho)
ખેદ છે (Khed chhe) - What is your name?
તમારું નામ શું છે? (Tamaru naam shu chhe?) - My name is [Name].
મારું નામ [Name] છે. (Maru naam [Name] chhe.) - Can you help me?
શું તમે મારી મદદ કરી શકો છો? (Shu tame mari madad kari shako cho?) - Where is the bathroom?
બાથરૂમ ક્યાં છે? (Bathroom kyāṁ chhe?) - How much does this cost?
આ કેટલાંનું છે? (Ā keṭlānuṁ chhe?) - I don’t understand.
મને સમજાતું નથી. (Mane samajātuṁ nathī.) - Can you speak English?
શું તમે અંગ્રેજી બોલી શકો છો? (Shu tame Angreji boli shako cho?) - I am lost.
હું ગુમાવું છું. (Hu gumāvuṁ chu.) - I need a doctor.
મને ડોક્ટર જોઈએ. (Mane ḍoḍkṭar joiye.)
Famous Gujarati Speakers
Gujarati has been spoken by several notable figures who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are a few prominent Gujarati speakers:
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948) was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and the founder of Pakistan. Although his primary language was Urdu, Jinnah was a native Gujarati speaker, having been born in Karachi, which was then part of British India. His use of Gujarati was integral to his early education and personal life. - Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948), often hailed as the “Father of the Nation” in India, was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement. Born in Porbandar, Gujarat, Gandhi’s mother tongue was Gujarati. He utilised the language extensively in his writings and speeches, helping to spread his message of non-violence and civil disobedience across India. - Mukesh Ambani
Mukesh Ambani is a contemporary figure who is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world and the chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries. Born and raised in Gujarat, Ambani speaks Gujarati as his native language. His success in the business world has brought global recognition to the Gujarati community.
How to Learn Gujarati
Embarking on Gujarati language learning can be an enriching experience, offering insights into a vibrant culture and connecting with a global community. Here’s how you can get started:
- Explore Gujarati Media
A fun way to immerse yourself in the language is by listening to Gujarati songs on Spotify. These songs will help you get accustomed to the rhythm, intonation, and common phrases used in everyday conversation. Just make sure you follow the lyrics and try to sing along! - Take a Structured Course
Enrolling in a structured course is one of the most effective ways to learn Gujarati. At Language Trainers, we offer a range of Gujarati language courses tailored to your needs. Our programmes are taught by native speakers who bring authentic pronunciation and cultural context to the lessons. - Choose the Right Format for You
We provide both online and in-person Gujarati courses, allowing you to choose the format that best fits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer one-to-one lessons for personalised attention or small group sessions to benefit from interactive practice with peers, our courses are designed to suit various learning preferences. - Practice Regularly
Consistency is key to language acquisition. Practice regularly with native speakers and engage in real-life conversations. Our language courses emphasise practical usage and help you build confidence in speaking Gujarati through communicative tasks and up-to-date learning materials.
With the right resources and guidance, mastering Gujarati can be a rewarding journey. Contact Language Trainers today to find the perfect Gujarati course in London or wherever you happen to be located.