Which is Easier for a Native Hindi Speaker: Marathi or Gujarati?

When it comes to determining which language is easier for a native Hindi speaker to learn, experts and experienced linguistic enthusiasts often weigh in on the matter. In this article, we explore the similarities and differences between Marathi and Gujarati, helping native Hindi speakers make an informed decision when choosing between the two.

Similarities Between Hindi and Marathi vs. Gujarati

As someone who speaks both Hindi and Gujarati, it’s evident that there are similarities between these languages, particularly when compared to Marathi. While Marathi has its distinct characteristics, Hindi and Gujarati share more linguistic features due to their shared Indo-Aryan roots, leading many to find Gujarati more comprehensible than Marathi.

Lexical Similarities and Differences

Let's delve into the lexical similarities and differences to better understand the ease of learning each language.

Hindi and Marathi

If you want to express 'like him,'
- Hindi: Us-ke jaisa
- Marathi: Amam sa (literally "like they")

Or if you want to say 'do you have it,'
- Hindi: Kya aapke paas hai
- Marathi: Aapkam vay bhale (literally "do you have in your place")

These examples illustrate that while there are some similarities, the structures and phrases in Marathi can be quite different, making it more challenging for Hindi speakers to pick up the language.

Hindi and Gujarati

On the other hand, when it comes to saying 'do you have it,'
- Hindi: Kya aapke paas hai
- Gujarati: Aapke paas kya haala (literally "your place how is it")

And for 'bring that thing here,'
- Hindi: Woh cheez yahaan le aao
- Gujarati: Woh cheez yahaan lene aao (literally "take that thing here")

These phrases show that Gujarati often uses a simpler structure, making it more comprehensible to native Hindi speakers.

Linguistic Differences and Mutual Intelligibility

Despite some overlapping features, the different linguistic influences and structures make these languages challenging to understand for native Hindi speakers. For instance, the lexical similarity between North Indian Indo-Aryan languages like Hindi, Punjabi, and Bengali is around 60%, while for Romance European languages like Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, the similarity is 80%.

Take the example of the Sanskrit word for 'salt,'
- Hindi: Namak
- Bengali: Lobon
- Punjabi: Loon
- Gujarati: Namak (though the pronunciation might vary slightly)

This shows that even basic words can have vastly different pronunciations and spellings, further complicating comprehension for Hindi speakers.

Conclusion and Regional Context

While both Marathi and Gujarati present linguistic challenges for native Hindi speakers, Gujarati may be perceived as easier due to its simpler structures and shared vocabulary. However, it’s essential to consider the individual's exposure and experience, as familiarity with the language through consistent interaction can significantly improve comprehension.

Additionally, the geographical region and exposure to different languages play a crucial role in how closely Hindi speakers perceive these languages. Hindi speakers who move to or work in regions where these languages are spoken may find that the language they encounter is closer to Hindi, not due to inherent similarity but rather due to exposure.