Alternate Names: Maharashtra, Maharathi, Malhatee, Marthi, Muruthu
Dialects: Gawdi of Goa, Kasargod, Kosti, Kudali, Nagpuri Marathi. 42 dialects. Complex dialect situation. Dialects bordering other major language areas share many features with those languages. Dialects or closely related languages: Konkani ,, Goan Konkani ,, Deccan ,, Varhadi-Nagpuri ,, and Gowlan ,. There is a dialect in Thanjavur District and elsewhere in Tamil Nadu influenced lexically by Tamil , and Kannada ,, with at least 100,000 speakers.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 71,700,000 in India (2001 census). Population total all countries: 71,780,660. L2 users: 3,000,000 in India.
Language Use: The Bene Israel are a Marathi-speaking Jewish group in Mumbai. Used as L2 by Ahirani [ahr], Bhalay [bhx], Far Western Muria [fmu], Gowli [gok], Indo-Portuguese [idb], Katkari [kfu], Khandesi [khn], Korku [kfq], Korlai Creole Portuguese [vkp], Lambadi [lmn], Mawchi [mke], Nihali [nll], Noiri [noi], Northern Gondi [gno], Northwestern Kolami [kfb], Palya Bareli [bpx], Pardhan [pch], Pauri Bareli [bfb], Powari [pwr], Rathwi Bareli [bgd], Seraiki [skr], Tulu [tcy], Vaagri Booli [vaa], Varli [vav], Vasavi [vas], Waddar [wbq].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 77% (2001 census). Literacy rate in L2: 77% (2001 census). Fully developed. Bible: 1821–2002.
Typology: SOV.
Writing System: Braille, Devanagari
Nation of Origin: India
Other Comments: The Habshi are Muslim, descended from East African slaves brought to western India. Are is a synonym for a Marathi caste name. Are also refers to Marathi-speaking communities in south India. Hindu, Jewish (Bene Israel), Muslim.