Among various languages that are prevalent in the Indian Territory, Kumaoni has a special significance. Quite a handful of people of northeastern states of India speak this beautiful language of Kumaoni. Kumaoni speaking states of India are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland. In Assam , Kumani are widely spoken in various districts like Almora, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Udhamsingh Nagar districts.

In the year 1998, it has been estimated that Kumani has a population of 2,360,000. Several people recognize this Kumani by its alternate names. These include Kamaoni, Kumaoni, Kumau, Kumawani, Kumgoni, Kumman, Kunayaoni. It belongs to the enriched family of Indo-Aryan languages.

Dialects of Kumaoni too are quite exorbitant. Important ones are Central Kumauni, North eastern Kumauni, South eastern Kumauni, Western Kumauni, Askoti, Bhabari of Rampur, Chaugarkhiya, Danpuriya, Gangola, Johari, Khasparjiya, Kumaiya, Pachhai, Pashchimi, Phaldakotiya, Rau- Chaubhaisi, Sirali, Soriyali.

All dialects are easily understandable by each and every people of the Kumani speaking region. However, the dialects that are spoken in the eastern provinces of this region are different from the rest. Kumaoni has a close relation to Garwhali language. Also the Southeast dialect is considered to be `sweet`. The Central one is the most conventional. The literacy rate of Kumaoni as a second language recorded that a total percentage of fifty-eight. Out of it, seventy three percent comprises of males, while forty one percent constitutes of females. Kumauni script is used for Kumaoni writings. Kumaon also has a very rich tradition of folk literature, which deals with local,national myths, heroes, heroines, deeds of bravery and various aspects of nature.