Pahari

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A language of Nepal

ISO 639-3
phj
Alternate Names
Pahara, Pahi, Pahibhāe, Pihi, Pihi bhya
User Population

3,500 (2011 census). Ethnic population: 13,600 (2011 census).

Location

Bagmati province: Kathmandu, Kavrepalanchok, Lalitpur (60% of Pahari speakers), Makwanpur, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, and Sindhupalchok districts; Janakpur province: Rautahat district; Kosi province: Sunsari district; Sudur Pashchimanchal province: Kanchanpur district.

Language Status

7 (Shifting).

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Himalayan, Central Himalayan, Newar
Dialects

None known. Reportedly very low inherent intelligibility of Newar [new] by Pahari speakers (Smith 2022). Lexical similarity: 50%–60% with Newar [new].

Language Use

Home, community. Adults only. Children no longer speak it. All shifting to Nepali [npi].

Language Development

Grammar. Agency: Nepal Pahari Bikash Sangh (Nepal Pahari Development Association).

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Pahari
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].