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Glite Dictionary
Magadhan

Magadhan

9.9
A group of related languages spoken in eastern India, like Magahi and Bhojpuri
  • noun
  • Specialized
: magadhí
  • Magahi and Bhojpuri are both members of the Magadhan subfamily.

Examples

  • The Magadhan languages have played a significant role in the linguistic history of India.

  • Many people in Bihar speak Magadhan dialects.

  • Many linguists study Magadhan languages to trace the evolution of Indo-Aryan speech.

  • The Magadhan languages are rich in cultural heritage.

  • Magahi and Bhojpuri are both members of the Magadhan subfamily.

  • Many linguists study Magadhan languages to trace the evolution of Indo-Aryan speech.

  • The Magadhan languages have played a significant role in the linguistic history of India.

Surface Forms

Magadhan singular
Magadhans plural

Morphology

Magadhan = Magadha (transparent) = Magadha + an

Formed by the place-name 'Magadha' plus the productive adjectival/nationality suffix '-an', so the relation is regular and predictable if the base is known.

Etymology

Magadhan comes from the ancient region Magadha in eastern India and literally means 'of Magadha', so it names the group of languages such as Magahi, Maithili and Bhojpuri that come from that area.