The Ladakhi language (also called Bhoti or Bodhi) uses the Tibetan script, but the Tibetan and Ladakhi languages are not mutually intelligible. Ladakhi has absorbed words from silk route trade, Tibetan Buddhism, governance by Jammu, Kahsmir and India, and now tourism and English literacy. SPOKEN Ladakhi shows variations in pronunciation and intonation across Ladakh, the accent in Leh sounds very different from the accents in Nubra and Zanskar. If you only LEARN one word, make it "julley” which means “hello”, “thank you” and “goodbye”. The greeting “khamzang?” or “khamzang in-a ley?” means “how are you?” and you can simply ANSWER “khamzang in ley” - “I’m fine, thank you”. The phrasebook “getting started in Ladakhi” is AVAILABLE in bookstores in Leh. Most Ladakhi people (especially the younger generations) SPEAK fluently in English and in Hindi too because they learn these languages at school from the very young age. Ladakhi people will always appreciate any attempt that you make to speak a few words in their language. Ladakhi language is not easy to learn but knowing a few simple phrases will make a world of difference when interacting with your hosts, especially in remote villages where English is not widely spoken. Local people will greatly appreciate your effort and you will be rewarded with beautiful Ladakhi smiles!