Batak Language

Internal classification

Mandailing, Toba and Angkola are related to each other and mutually intelligible. Karo dialects are mutually intelligible with other Northern Batak languages named Alas – Kluet languages in the southern part of Aceh, and are also partially mutually intelligible with Pakpak and Singkil. Some Pakpak (Dairi) dialects are also partially mutually intelligible with Toba dialects. Simalungun dialects are sometimes partially mutually intelligible with both Northern and Southern Batak, but they are more comprehensible with other Southern Batak languages (Toba-Angkola-Mandailing). The geographical influences on the Batak languages can be seen in the map in the infobox; Lake Toba separates the Karo (Northern Batak) from direct contact with the Toba (Southern Batak).