Abstract:

This paper presents a sociolinguistic analysis of Khortha, an Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in Jharkhand and adjoining regions of Bihar and West-Bengal. Situated within one of India’s linguistically diverse regions, Khortha occupies an important position in the communicative practices of communities with different linguistic backgrounds. Despite its widespread use and substantial speaker population, the language has received comparatively limited attention in mainstream linguistic scholarship and continues to be discussed within competing classifications as a dialect or variety of other Indo-Aryan languages.

Drawing on census data and existing linguistic and sociolinguistic literature, this study examines the status and function of Khortha in Jharkhand, with particular attention to its role as a Lingua Franca, the emergence of regional varieties through language contact, and the relationship between language use, identity, bilingualism, and language attitudes. The discussion also considers the influence of neighbouring languages and social factors that shape the use and prestige of Khortha across different sections of its speech community.

The analysis indicates a significant tension between the language’s functional importance in everyday intercommunity communication and its relatively low social prestige, particularly among sections of the economically mobile and educated population. The paper argues that sustained documentation, mother-tongue-based educational initiatives, and wider institutional and cultural support are essential for strengthening the recognition, transmission, and long-term maintenance of Khortha in Jharkhand.