18 Languages That Start With The Letter R

Have you ever wondered about the vast array of languages that start with the letter R? Wonder no more, you have come to the right place.

In this article, I will embark on a linguistic journey, delving into the rich tapestry of languages that begin with the letter R. From the ancient to the modern, from the exotic to the widely spoken, these captivating languages hold a treasure trove of culture and history

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the fascinating realm of languages that start with R and witness the beauty they bring to our world.


Languages That Start With The Letter R

The followings are some of the most known and lesser-known languages that begin with the letter R (In alphabetical order):

1. Rajasthani: Rajasthani is a group of languages spoken in the Indian state of Rajasthan and neighboring regions. With its roots in the Indo-Aryan language family, Rajasthani reflects the cultural heritage and history of the region, with each dialect having its unique charm.

2. Rarotongan: Rarotongan, also known as Cook Islands Māori, is an Eastern Polynesian language spoken in the Cook Islands. As an official language of the country, Rarotongan plays a pivotal role in preserving the indigenous culture and traditions of its people.

3. Rer Bare: Rer Bare is an Austronesian language spoken in the eastern part of Timor Island, Indonesia. While it is not widely known outside the region, Rer Bare is an essential means of communication for the local community, reflecting their close connection with nature and traditional practices.

4. Rhade: Rhade is an Austroasiatic language spoken by the Rhade ethnic group in Vietnam and Cambodia. As part of the larger Mon–Khmer language family, Rhade contributes to the linguistic mosaic of Southeast Asia.

5. Rhaeto-Romance: Rhaeto-Romance is a Romance language group spoken in parts of Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. As one of the lesser-known Romance languages, Rhaeto-Romance captivates linguists and language enthusiasts with its unique blend of Latin-derived vocabulary and local influences.

6. Riffian: Riffian, also known as Tarifit, is a Berber language spoken in the Rif region of northern Morocco. With its distinctive phonetics and syntax, Riffian stands as a symbol of the Berber cultural identity in the region.

7. Rohingya: The Rohingya language is spoken by the Rohingya people, primarily in Myanmar and Bangladesh. With its own unique script, the Rohingya language plays a vital role in preserving the heritage and history of this ethnic group.

8. Roma: Roma, also known as Romani, is the language of the Romani people, a widely dispersed ethnic group with origins in South Asia. The Roma language has many dialects, and its preservation and promotion are crucial to maintaining the Romani cultural identity.

9. Romani: Romani is another name for the Roma language, spoken by the Romani people across the world. As a language with a rich oral tradition, Romani is essential in transmitting the history, customs, and beliefs of this vibrant community.

10. Romanian: Romanian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Romania and Moldova. As one of the official languages of these countries, Romanian bears the influence of Latin and is a testament to the historical and cultural ties in the region.

11. Romansh: Romansh is a Romance language spoken in parts of Switzerland. With its distinct regional dialects, Romansh showcases the linguistic diversity of this small European country.

12. Romany: Romany, also known as Gypsy, is the language of the Romani people in various regions around the world. As a nomadic group, the Romani language served as a means of communication and cultural preservation for centuries.

13. Rumanian: Rumanian is an old spelling variant of the Romanian language, used in historical texts and literature. Although less common today, it reflects the language’s evolution and usage over time.

14. Rundi: Rundi, also called Kirundi, is a Bantu language spoken in Burundi and parts of neighboring countries. As one of the official languages of Burundi, Rundi plays a central role in the country’s cultural and political life.

15. Rune Rows: Rune Rows is not a language but rather an alternative name for the runic alphabets used in ancient Germanic languages, such as Old Norse. These runic scripts were crucial in recording the history, myths, and sagas of the Germanic tribes during the Viking Age.

16. Runyankole: Runyankole is a Bantu language spoken in Uganda, primarily in the southwestern region. As a widely spoken language in the country, Runyankole serves as an essential link between different communities and tribes.

17. Russian: Russian is an East Slavic language spoken in Russia and several other countries of the former Soviet Union. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Russian holds significant cultural and historical importance, influencing literature, arts, and science.

18. Rwanda: Rwanda, also known as Kinyarwanda, is a Bantu language spoken in Rwanda and neighboring countries. With its tonal system and melodic sounds, Rwanda plays a central role in the vibrant Rwandan culture and identity.


I hope you found this article “Languages That Start With R” helpful and got insights into some of the rare and lesser-known languages around the world.

Also, keep in mind that, this isn’t an exhaustive list, if there are any Languages starting with the letter R.

Feel free to leave a comment below with the missing Languages and I’ll update the list as soon as possible.

And, if you’d like to explore more Languages starting with different letters of the alphabet, click the link below:

  • Languages That Start With S
  • Languages That Start With T
  • Languages That Start With U
  • Languages That Start With V

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