Interactive classification of all 32+ Rai languages by sub-group, region, and linguistic family.
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Rai languages belong to two distinct language families. The majority are Sino-Tibetan (Kiranti branch), divided into Central, Eastern, and Western Kiranti sub-groups. One unique language, Dewas Rai, is classified under Indo-Aryan — making it the only Rai language not belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family. This diversity reflects the Rai people's complex migration history and adaptation across the eastern Himalayan hills.
The main language family of the Rai people
Spoken in Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Khotang, Udayapur, Solukhumbu
Spoken in Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Dhankuta, Terhathum, Sankhuwasabha
Spoken in Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, Sindhuli, Udayapur
Spoken along the Dudhkoshi river in Khotang and Solukhumbu
Languages not yet classified into a specific Kiranti sub-group
Unique among Rai languages — classified under Eastern Indo-Aryan
Spoken in Makawanpur and Hetauda — distinct from other Rai languages