Basic Odia: An Introductory Course in the Language of Odisha

Learn the Odia language with this accessible five-session language course in this important Indian language designed for complete beginners. Odia is spoken by over 40 million people primarily in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. With origins dating back over 1,500 years, Odia is one of India’s oldest languages. It is part of the Indo-Aryan language family and has developed through centuries, incorporating influences from Sanskrit, Pali, and local dialects.

The course teaches simple words and phrases over five sessions. The emphasis is on pronunciation, comprehension and vocabulary that can easily be put to use. Starting out with basic greetings and answers to questions you'll progress through more sophisticated vocabulary, enabling you to form full sentences by the end of the course. Throughout the course there are opportunities to test your pronunciation and comprehension.

Inscriptions in the Odia language first appeared in the 10th century. The language's literature gained prominence in the medieval period with works of poetry, philosophy, and devotional texts, playing a significant role in the cultural heritage of Odisha. Today, Odia is one of the 22 scheduled languages recognized by the Indian Constitution.

In contemporary times, Odia is spoken in Odisha and parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. As Odisha has grown in prominence due to its economic development and tourism, the ability to speak and understand Odia has become increasingly useful.

Whether you’re interested in enhancing your travel experience, expanding your business opportunities, or better connecting with your own heritage learning Odia can help you. This course will guide you through the sounds and basic structures of Odia with an emphasis on practical vocabulary, providing a simple introduction to this important language and its everyday use.