Lepcha

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A language of India

ISO 639-3
lep
Alternate Names
Lapche, Nünpa, Rongke, Rongpa, Róng, Róng-ríng, Róngkup
User Population

47,300 in India (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 57,930 (as L1: 57,700; as L2: 230).

Location

Sikkim state: Dzongu district; West Bengal state: Darjeeling district, Kalimpong.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Central Tibeto-Burman, Lepcha
Dialects

Ilammu, Tamsangmu, Rengjongmu. Classification uncertain; has been classified both in Himalayan and Naga groups.

Typology

SOV; postpositions; dual number; definite article; 32 consonants and 8 vowels.

Language Use

In Sikkim, all ages. Language use not known in other regions. Many also use Nepali [npi]. Some also use English [eng].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 66% in Sikkim (2001 census). Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 1989.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lepcha
Writing

Lepcha (Róng) script [Lepc]. Tibetan script [Tibt].

Other Comments

Lepcha is both language and name of people. Buddhist, Christian, Hindu.

Also spoken in:

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