The Sinhalese language, also known as Sinhala, is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in Sri Lanka. It is the mother tongue of the Sinhalese people, who make up the majority of the island's population. Sinhalese has its own unique script, derived from the ancient Brahmi script, and is used in various forms of literature, media, and education. Sinhalese is recognized as one of the official languages of Sri Lanka, alongside Tamil. The language has a rich history, with influences from Pali, Sanskrit, and Portuguese, reflecting the diverse cultural interactions on the island. Today, it plays a vital role in the country's identity and heritage.