People and Language

The Andaman Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, are home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and languages. Here’s an overview:

Indigenous Peoples

1. Sentinelese: An uncontacted tribe living on North Sentinel Island, they have resisted outside contact and maintain their traditional lifestyle.
2. Onge: Inhabitants of Little Andaman Island, the Onge are known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and have a distinct language.
3. Jarawa: The Jarawa people reside along the western coast of Middle and South Andaman Islands and are semi-nomadic.
4. Shompens: Living on Great Nicobar Island, the Shompens are also semi-nomadic and have a unique culture.

Other Communities

The Andaman Islands also have a significant population of settlers from various parts of India, including Bengali, Tamil, and Hindi-speaking communities.

Languages

• Indigenous Languages: Each tribal group has its own language, such as Jarawa and Onge, which are part of the Great Andamanese and Nicobarese language families.
• Dominant Languages: Hindi and Bengali are widely spoken among the settler population, with Tamil also being prominent due to migration from Tamil Nadu.
• English: English is used in administration and education.

Cultural Diversity

The Andaman Islands have a rich cultural tapestry influenced by the indigenous tribes, settler communities, and the history of colonialism. Festivals, cuisines, and traditional practices reflect this diversity.