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What are the most common languages spoken in Kolkata, West Bengal?

21 local experts
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Are residents of Kolkata typically multilingual? What languages are most common? Here's what 21 local experts had to say about language in Kolkata, West Bengal.

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Know the common language that is Bengali or at least be able to speak Hindi. Kolkata is also known as the city of joy and is majorly famous for its street food. So anyone visiting Kolkata should know the famous sweets that is sandesh and rasgulla. Also puchka as a street food is very famous which is similar to golgappa or pani puri.

Hameed, says: 2020

One must learn the local language as it will help him/her to communicate with local people as well as with small vendors. Also it will help one to understand the language of the people who are only comfortable with the local language only.

– Anyone moving to Kolkata must have working knowledge of either Bengali or Hindi, especially if they are to rely on public transport. Even otherwise, knowing either of these two languages is important to make it work here.
– Traffic in Kolkata may not be as bad as other metropolitans but traffic directions change at certain times of the day. For example, certain roads have only one-way traffic at certain times. Using online maps is particularly helpful for the newcomer.
– Sharing a cab with a bunch of strangers is not advisable. People have been mugged in the process.
– If someone is relocating from a different city, street food probably won’t pose a problem. But foreigners are warned to stay away from it. Not only can it be particularly tough on the digestive system, as many of my acquaintances have found out the hard way, hawkers have also been known to dupe customers who aren’t familiar with the tricks of their trade. Speaking of trade, anyone visiting New Market must be well-versed in the art of haggling. Prices can come down to as much as one-fourth, if negotiated the right way.
– Late night wandering in the city is not particularly safe. It is advisable to reach one’s destination by 10pm.

Srimathi, says: 2020

know the important customs/festivals in our city. They should respect the culture and our traditions. They should not be necessarily knew the mother language but must have a good knowledge of communicative English. They must respect the common people aspiration. They overall must be adaptive to the cultural environment.

Be very specific with your words. Carry your confidence. Cultural knowledge must be very high. The most used language here is Bengali and you should be very well accustomed with it. The local foods especially fish should not be looked down at. Strategic mind should be very strong and deep.

Dhruvi, says: 2020

The cost of living in Kolkata is very cheap, compared to other metropolitan cities in India. The people here are very warm and intelligent. Bengali is the mother tongue of people of Kolkata. Bengali people are very strict about education. The city is rich in culture. Evening Adda in tea corners are like a daily ritual of Bengali people.

Samarth, says: 2020

Kolkata is a city in West Bengal, India. Its rich of its heritage and culture. The native language of this city is Bengali. It is known as the city of joy due its culture. People here are concerned with politics, arts and science and technology. Kolkata is also famous for its food.

Surekha, says: 2020

Know about traffic during the rush hour. Also, how to communicate in local or native language as the locals might not understand what they are trying to say. Car honking is quite famous in our city, you can hear honking at all times of night and morning.

Kasturi, says: 2020

Learning Bengali, the local language of West Bengal, is essential before moving to Kolkata. Also, the usual transportation in the city is local bus, which is quite cheap, but crowded. If you are a vegan, you might face some problems with food. People tend to love fish and spiced chicken curries.

Sushmitha, says: 2020

Moving to Kolkata is very easy. Speaking any of English, Hindi or Bengali would lead to smooth interactions with people. The roads are congested with heavy traffic, so knowledge of driving will be of great help. There are many beautiful places which can be found in internet. You should try “rosogolla”.

Shivani, says: 2020

This city is a safe place. The cost of living here is lesser than other metropolitan cities of India. One should learn the local language as fast as possible, and be prepared to ride the bus cause it will be the most memorable part of the day.

Kolkata is a city whose charm lies in its old beauty- the old roads, rickshaws, monuments and its authenticity that breathes out of everything you try out as an outsider. It might seem backward and slow paced compared to other metropolitan cities in India like Mumbai and Delhi, but that is its charm that the people who stay here, are not in a rush, enjoy their lives more freely and for them peace is more important than earning a few more bucks. Consider friendly people while you move here and knowing the Bengali language might be a plus point, though most people do speak Hindi. Also, a loud western dressing may be avoided at public places.

Mohammed, says: 2020

Kolkata is the cheapest metropolitan city in India. Bengali is preferred over English and Hindi here. People, try to help out newcomers in their own possible ways. Rasgullas are one of the many sweets having their origin in Kolkata. Victoria Memorial and Birla Planetarium are some of the beautiful places that must be visited by newcomers.

Somebody moving to Kolkata must know how to speak or at least understand the language ‘Bengali’. And also, not to mention, the street food that my city has to offer is the best in the whole world. Everybody who has ever visited Kolkata, always appreciated the food here.

Reshma, says: 2020

Kolkata is a metropolitan city where everything is available starting from malls, cinema halls, parks, even historical monuments. People here can speak English properly and the value of price is very inexpensive here especially food, room rent and dresses, travel expenses and more. It is a developing city and people here are broad-minded. We love art and culture very much and like to gain knowledge by learning something new.

A person who wishes to move to Kolkata needs to know at least one local language: Hindi or Bengali. He needs to quickly understand the main transport lines. It is best to try and reside in the centre of the city.

Ranica, says: 2020

Knowing a little Hindi or Bengali will be very helpful. Should be always smiling because here people love the simple and smiling personality. In Kolkata, there are many historical places like Victoria Memorial, Alipur Zoo, etc.

Durdana, says: 2020

Kolkata welcomes people of any language, culture and viewpoints. There are 100s of inhabitants here who doesn’t know its native language of Bengali, or have no clue about its rich cultural heritage. Still, if someone is interested, Kolkata is the city of joy. It had been the capital of India and is one of the four metropolitan cities of the country. Bengalis like me will warmly welcome any foreigner to their city and make them feel like their home.

Kolkata is the city of joy. You should be comfortable with the Bengali Language. You should be able to tolerate humid summers. Even If You are not very rich you can live a good life the city. The land of bookworms Kolkata, or Calcutta, as still lovingly called by the Bengalis, College Street or ‘Boi Para’ (Colony of Books) is the largest book market in India.

Aarthy, says: 2020

Kolkata city is famous for its culture and the Howrah bridge. Here people should speak the Bengali language. Kolkata is known for his culture, nature, and its beauty. you can see the perfect Indian culture here, this place is also known for great writer Rabindranath Tagore. You can enjoy the ride of a rickshaw in the city.

Mayank, says: 2020

Kolkata is the city of joy. Before moving to Kolkata, know it is a crowded city but also affordable. Durga Puja is the main festival of Bengal and it is celebrated in a huge manner. Most people understand Hindi, but they will be happy if you know how to speak Bengali. There are lot of places where you can visit for shopping such as Burrabazar, South City Mall, etc. You would never lack access to food. Swiggy and Zomato ae always available here.

Ramandeep, says: 2020
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