Number Of Speakers (est.)
Assam
Brahmaputra Valley
Modern Media
Family / Branch
Indo-European → Indo-Iranian → Indo-Aryan → Eastern → Assamese
Indo-Aryan
Eastern Branch
Writing System
Assamese uses the Assamese Script, a regional form of the Eastern Nagari writing tradition.
It is an abugida: consonants carry an inherent vowel, and vowel signs modify it.
Abugida
Indic Script
Assamese Letters
Word Order
SOV (Subject–Object–Verb) is typical. Postpositions are common, and word order can shift for focus in everyday speech.
Postpositions
Flexible Ordering
ISO Codes
ISO 639-1: as • ISO 639-3: asm
Language ID
Standard Codes
Where It Is Used
Assamese is primarily used in Assam and nearby areas in Northeast India.
It has strong presence in literature, broadcast media, and cultural life.
Education
Publishing
Culture
What Makes It Distinct
Assamese stands out within Indo-Aryan for its sound patterns and everyday rhythm.
A well-known feature is the reduced use of classic retroflex consonants found in many other South Asian languages.
It also has rich expressive particles and polite forms that shape natural conversation.
Core Sound Features
Grammar Snapshot
Writing System Notes
Assamese script includes letters and forms used specifically in Assamese writing.
In modern text, spelling is largely phonemic, yet historical spellings still appear in formal vocabulary.
Printed and handwritten shapes can differ, so learners benefit from seeing both.
Dialects And Variety
Assamese has regional varieties with differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and rhythm.
Commonly discussed groups include Eastern, Central, Kamrupi, and Goalpariya varieties.
Standard Assamese is often associated with educated urban usage and is widely understood.
Useful Words And Phrases
নমস্কাৰ (Nomoskar — Hello)
ধন্যবাদ (Dhonnyobad — Thank you)
অনুগ্ৰহ কৰি (Onugroho kori — Please)
আপুনি কেনে আছেন? (Apuni kene asen? — How are you?)
Note: Pronunciation can vary by region. In polite speech, আপুনি (you) is common.
Assamese Builder (SOV • Noun Phrase • Question)
Create simple Assamese-style word order examples. This helps visualize SOV structure and common noun phrase order.
This builder shows typical Assamese ordering. Real Assamese can be more flexible in natural conversation.
Practical Notes For Learners
Assamese is approachable when learned in layers. Script familiarity brings a big jump in reading confidence.
Start With Script Patterns
Learn the vowel signs and the inherent vowel concept early. This prevents guessing later.
Practice common clusters seen in signage and headlines.
Build Sentences Around Verbs
Assamese sentences often feel natural once you place the verb at the end.
Keep short SOV patterns first, then add postpositions and particles.
Politeness Comes First
Use আপুনি in formal or polite settings.
It is a simple choice that makes a strong impression.
