What is L1?

L1 (Main Languages): Top-level language categories such as HINDI, BENGALI, TAMIL, TELUGU, MARATHI, etc. These represent the major language families in India's linguistic landscape.

Shannon Diversity Index (H)

Formula: H = -Σ(p_i × ln(p_i))

where p_i is the proportion of speakers of language i in the total population.

• H = 0: Everyone speaks the same language (no diversity)
• H = 0-1: Very low diversity (1-3 main languages)
• H = 1-2: Moderate diversity (3-7 main languages)
• H > 2: High diversity (7+ main languages)

Effective number of languages

Formula: e^H (exponential of Shannon diversity)

What it means: Converts the Shannon index into an intuitive number representing "how many equally common languages" would produce the same diversity.

Example: If H = 1.61, the effective number is e^1.61 ≈ 5 languages.

What is L2?

L2 (Sub-languages): Dialects and variants within L1 categories. For example, under HINDI (L1), you have Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Haryanvi, Rajasthani as L2. Under BENGALI (L1), you have Rajbangsi, Chakma as L2.

Shannon Diversity Index (H)

Formula: H = -Σ(p_i × ln(p_i))

where p_i is the proportion of speakers of sub-language i in the total population.

• H = 0: No dialectal variation (single dialect)
• H = 0-1: Low variation (1-3 dialects)
• H = 1-2: Moderate variation (3-7 dialects)
• H > 2: High variation (7+ dialects)

Effective number of sub-languages

Formula: e^H (exponential of Shannon diversity)

What it means: Converts the Shannon index into an intuitive number of equally common dialects/variants.

Example: If H = 1.39, the effective number is e^1.39 ≈ 4 dialects.