The Balti language has always been at a disadvantage. Its original Tibetan script was changed to an artificial one based on Persian which never corresponded with the letters and requirements of the Balti, and as a result it lost its standard and Tibetan originality. Its folk-literature is not yet available in written form, but continues to be orally transmitted. On the contrary the Balti have been quite promising in the sense of literature in category, aptitude and profundity. Despite all handicaps the Balti language has retained many honorific words characteristic of the Tibetan dialects and many other languages. The first Balti grammar was written in Urdu version by Ghulam Hassan Lobsang, a milestone for the Balti language. Below are a few examples:
| Ordinary Balti | Honorific | Ladakhi | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ata | Baba | Aba | Father |
| kho | kho | - | he |
| gashay | liakhmo | liakhmo | Beautiful |
| paynay | khumul | painay | Money |
| bila | Bila | bilo | Cat |
| su | su | sou | Who |
| Ano/Amo | Zizi | Ama | Mother |
| Kaka | Kacho | Acho | Brother (elder) |
| Bustring | Zung | Nama | Woman / Wife |
| Momo | Jangmocho | Ajang | Maternal uncle |
| Nene | Nenecho | Ane | Aunt |
| Bu | Bucho | Tugu | Son |
| Fru | Nono | Busa | Boy |
| Apo | Apocho | Meme | Grandfather |
| Api | Apicho | Abi | Grandmother |
| Ashe | Ashcho | Singmo | Sister (elder) |
| Zo | bjes | Zo | Eat |
| Thung | bjes | Thung | Drink |
| Ong | Shokhs | Yong | Come |
| Song | Shokhs | Song | Go |
| Zer | Kasal-byung | Zer | Speak/Say |
| Ngid tong | gZim tong | Ngid tong | Sleep (go to) |
| Lagpa | Phyaq-laq/g | Lagpa | Hand/Arm |
| Khyang | Yang/Yari-phyaqpo | Khyorang | You |
| Kamo | gzok-po | Leg |
