Learn to Speak Assamese

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Learn Assamese
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Origins of the Assamese Language
Assamese is a member of the Indic branch of the Indo-Iranian sub-group of the Indo-European (Aryan) family of languages. The modern Aryan languages are considered to have evolved from Sanskrit, the ancient language of the Indian sub-continent.

How many people speak the Assamese language?
Assamese is spoken by between 15 and 20 million people.

Assamese-speaking Countries
Assamese is the state language of Assam, the most eastern state in India. It is also spoken and used in the states of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and also in Bangaladesh & Bhutan.

The process of creating Indian states from the princely states and provinces under British rule began after India's independence in 1947. The main demand was to create states based on language boundaries and to a large extent this was achieved. The boundaries of Assam reflect where Assamese speakers live.

Screenshots from Talk Now! Learn Assamese CD-ROM

Talk Now Assamese CD-ROM Details

This is an excitingly different language learning series. Talk Now! uses games and quizzes as a basis for making the learning process fun, easy and relaxing. There is no better way to teach an old dog new tricks and this fun element of the program means that your fears are forgotten as you absorb words and phrases without even realising you are learning them.

Talk Now! is the world's best selling language learning CD-ROM series for beginners, used by more than three million people to date. It's ideal for travellers, holidaymakers, business people, schoolchildren, students and families.

Anyone over 10 years of age will find the disc indispensable for improving listening, understanding and spoken language skills. There are nine topics: first words, food, colours, phrases, parts of the body, numbers, time, shopping and countries.

The games and quizzes included on the disc ensure that users have fun whilst using the disc, without realising that they're learning. The "intelligent" software feature remembers words you get wrong and targets your weak points.

NOW includes Apple iPod integration, which allows you to listen to Talk Now Assamese wherever you are!

Assamese Culture

Assam has a large number of skilled handcrafts that reflect the long and rich history of the culture of Assam. Handloom weaving of silk, cotton and other textiles takes place on an extensive scale . The designs used in Assam are mostly stylised symbols of animals, human figures, creepers, flowers, birds and the galaxy.

Jewellery has long been a tradition in Assam. Gold was available in many of the rivers flowing down from the Himalayas. The Assamese jewellers (sonari) make exquisite lockets, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Brass and bell metal working are also skilled crafts still practised widely.

Cane and bamboo, being quite common all over Assam, are used to make a variety of products. Cane furniture of Assam is much sought after both in the national and international markets.

There is also a long history of expert painting in the state. Ahom palaces and sattras and naamghars are replete with brightly coloured paintings depicting various stories and events from history and mythology.

Ivory carving, pottery, exquisite wood-carving and toy making are further examples of traditional Assamese skills.

Assam has a number of big festivals including Rongali or Bohag Bihu (mid-April) when people welcome the spring season and pray for a bountiful and rich harvest. Ambubasi Mela is a fair held in Guwahati, the capital of Assam, and is closely related to Tantric rituals.

Assamese Music and Dance

Satriya Nritya is one of the finest dance forms of India and was discovered in the 15th century.

The Bodos have many folk dances to boast of. Among them, the most important and attractive is the Bagrumba Dance. This is mainly a formation dance with slow steps and outstretched hands. About a score of girls, dressed in colourful attire, perform this dance to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments.

Assamese Food and Drink

Fish is a major delicacy in Assam served in a variety of ways. Other specialities include rice-flour pastries stuffed with coconut and til (named as til pitha and narikal pitha, respectively) and the sweet balls of coconut and til (called larus) Seera (flaked rice) and doi (curd and yoghurt) are also popular.

Coconuts feature extensively in Assamese cuisine, including green coconuts. The Assamese thali is a real treat with its chutneys made from pudina and mustard seed. Among the sweets, channa (cottage cheese) sweets like spongy rosogolla, sandesh, and kalak and have a delectable taste.

Customer Testimonials

"This is an excitingly different language learning series. Talk Now! Uses games and quizzes as a basis for making the learning process fun and relaxing." - PC Answers

"I bought your Learn Malay CD today - I've only just begun, but I wanted to say how much I am enjoying it. I studied Malay from a book all day yesterday, making some 25 pages of notes on grammar and vocab, but I remember more from your CD from just an hour!" - James Bryce

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