This 10-module language course is specifically designed for complete beginners looking to learn the basics of the Odia language, also known as Oriya. Whether you’re planning a trip to Odisha, have an interest in the region’s rich cultural heritage, or simply want to expand your language skills, this course will give you the foundational tools you need to start speaking and understanding Odia. The course is structured to be both practical and engaging, with each session focusing on key phrases and vocabulary that will help you build a solid linguistic base.

Odia is one of the oldest and most distinguished languages of India, with a history that dates back over 2,500 years. It is primarily spoken in the eastern state of Odisha and has more than 40 million speakers worldwide. As one of India’s 22 officially recognized languages, Odia is deeply intertwined with the region’s cultural, artistic, and literary traditions. The language has its own script, which is derived from the Brahmi script, one of the oldest writing systems in the world. Over the centuries, Odia has been shaped by interactions with neighboring languages such as Bengali and Telugu, but it has retained a distinct identity, especially in its classical literature and poetry.

In this course, we begin with everyday phrases and greetings to get you comfortable with basic conversational skills. You will learn how to introduce yourself, ask for directions, and engage in polite exchanges, all of which are essential for navigating daily life in Odisha. We gradually introduce vocabulary related to common situations, such as shopping at local markets, ordering food at restaurants, and using public transportation. The emphasis is on clear, simple language that you can put to immediate use.