Languages of Daman and Diu

Languages of Daman and Diu

Gujarati and Hindi are the official languages of Daman and Diu. English works as the additional de facto language of the Union Territory. Portuguese was the official language of Goa, Daman and Diu before their accession to India, hence we can see Portuguese speakers in Daman and Diu. There are two variety of Indo Portuguese Creole spoken here. Besides, these language Marathi, Bengali, Odia, Nepali, and Malayalam can be heard in Daman and Diu. There are few tribal languages spoken in the pockets of Daman and Diu.

Gujarati is spoken by the 50.83 percent of Daman and Diu people whereas it is followed by  Hindi (36.31%), Marathi (4.53%), Bengali (2.15%), Odia (1.82%), Nepali (0.58%), Malayalam (0.51%), and Assamese (0.49%). Bengali, Odia, Nepali, Malayalam and Assamese speaking are in Daman and Diu because of work opportunities available.

Minor/Tribal Languages of Daman and Diu

DubliDubli is one of the Bhil languages. It is spoken by Bhils in Gujarat and neighbouring area. It is spoken in a few pockets of Daman and Diu. The language is heavily influenced by Gujarati and Rajasthani.

Dhodia
Dhodia is mainly spoken by the Dhodia tribe. They are spread over Gujarat and neighbouring area. The language is heavily influenced by Gujarati and Marathi.

Daman and Diu Portuguese Creole
As we know, Portuguese used to rule over Daman and Diu alongwith Goa, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli for quite sometime. Hence, portuguese creoles are developed among people of these territories. Daman Portuguese Creole is a decendant of Norterio Creole, spoken by Norterios of Chaul, Bacaim, Bombay and Daman, whereas Diu Portuguese Creole was developed by Gujaratis. There are more than ten thousand Daman and Diu Portuguese creole speaker.

Portuguese
Portuguese is one of the major foreign language spoken in India. It is spoken by thousands of Daman and Diu residents.