Assamese language in the past. There are also significant Assamese-speaking communities in Australia, Dubai, the United Kingdom, Canada, Nepal and the United States. Assamese is the official language of Assam, and one of the 23 official languages recognised by the Republic of India. The Assam Secretariat functions in Assamese. The Assamese phonemic inventory consists of eight vowels, ten diphthongs, and twenty-three consonants (including two semivowels). Consonant clusters in Assamese include thirty three pure consonant letters in the Assamese alphabet. Each letter represents a single sound with an inherent vowel, the short vowel . The first twenty-five consonants letters are called "sparxa barna"
Assamese cuisine "madhuhulong", "bhedai lota", "manimuni", "masundari" etc. An Assamese meal is incomplete without green chilis, many varieties of which are available in the region. Assam is famous for the bhut jolokia or "ghost pepper" which was recognized as the hottest chili in the world. "Panch-furan (mixture of 5 spices)" is used for adding flavour to Dal. Although modern cuisine of Assam has been influenced by east and north Indian cuisine, Assam is still rich in traditional dishes. The khar is a signature class of preparations made with a key ingredient, also called khar. The traditional ingredient is made by filtering water