22 languages

The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution consists of the following 22 languages –Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri.

**Languages in India**

India is a linguistically diverse country, known for its rich cultural heritage and multilingualism. The Constitution of India recognizes 22 officially recognized languages, but the Ethnologue database lists a staggering 448 languages spoken in the country. The linguistic diversity in India can be attributed to its long history, regional variations, migration patterns, and cultural influences.

**Officially Recognized Languages**

The Constitution of India designates 22 languages as the official languages of the country. These languages include Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Each state and union territory in India has the freedom to choose its own official language(s) from these 22 options.

**Major Language Families**

The languages spoken in India can be classified into several language families, some of which are:

1. Indo-Aryan: This is the largest language family in India, with languages like Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, and more. Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, is the most widely spoken language in India.

2. Dravidian: This language family includes languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Tamil, one of the oldest languages in the world, is spoken predominantly in the southern part of India.

3. Austroasiatic: Languages like Santali and Mundari belong to this language family. These languages are primarily spoken by tribes in central and eastern India.

4. Tibeto-Burman: Languages like Manipuri and Bodo are part of this family. They are spoken in the northeastern states of India.

**Regional Variations**

India's linguistic diversity is further enhanced by the regional variations within each language. For example, Hindi spoken in northern India differs from its variations in southern India. Similarly, regional variations exist in other languages as well, contributing to the linguistic tapestry of the country.

**Endangered Languages**

While India boasts a wide range of languages, it is important to note that some of these languages are endangered. Due to globalization, urbanization, and other factors, certain languages are at the risk of extinction. Efforts are being made to preserve and revive these endangered languages through documentation, education, and cultural initiatives.

In conclusion, India is a linguistically vibrant country with a multitude of languages. The officially recognized languages, major language families, regional variations, and endangered languages all play a significant role in shaping the linguistic landscape of the nation. This diversity is a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and the coexistence of various linguistic communities.