Lepcha

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A language of India

Location

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

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Bhutan

Language NameLepcha

User Population

2,900 in Bhutan (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity.

Location

Samtse district: Amo river area, east and south lower valleys.

Alternate Names

Lapcha, Nünpa, Rongke, Rongpa, Róng, Róng-ríng, Róngkup

Dialects

Ilammu, Tamsangmu, Rengjongmu.

Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Language Use

Some young people, all adults.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Buddhist.

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Nepal

Language NameLapcha

User Population

7,730 in Nepal, all users. L1 users: 7,500 in Nepal (2011 census), decreasing. L2 users: 230 (2011 census). No monolinguals.

Location

Kosi province: Ilam district, east along the Indian border.

Alternate Names

Lepcha, Nünpa, Rongke, Rongpa, Róng, Róngkup, “Lapche” (pej.)

Dialects

Ilammu, Tamsangmu, Rengjongmu.

Language Status

8a (Moribund). Language of recognized indigenous nationality: Lepcha.

Language Use

Many youth speak Nepali [npi] as L1 and do not speak Lepcha. Older adults only. Shifted to Nepali [npi].

Other Comments

Linguistic position within Tibeto-Burman still under discussion. Buddhist, Christian.

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Lepcha

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A language of India

Also spoken in:

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