Evolving Trends in Sociolinguistic Research in Nepal

This paper provides an overview of different trends in sociolinguistic studies in Nepal from a socio-historical perspective, based on available data, research, and publications. It briefly outlines and critically assesses research conducted through sociolinguistic surveys of Nepalese languages from 2008 to 2022 by various institutions. The paper then describes the current sociolinguistic situation in Nepal, its impacts, and its context within the changing scenario of multilingualism. It highlights various aspects of applied linguistics and their significance in preserving and protecting minority languages in Nepal’s unique language contact situations. The overview suggests that the process of language officialization and management has often been a source of conflict in many local areas, where people speaking different languages share educational materials in the same classroom.