Tsum

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A language of Nepal

ISO 639-3
ttz
Alternate Names
Tsumba, Tsumge, Tsumke
User Population

4,790 (2000).

Location

Gandaki province: north Gorkha district, Nubri Chum municipality, Chekampar (Chokong) village.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous). Language of recognized indigenous nationality: Siyar.

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, Central Bodish, Central, gTsang
Dialects

None known. 71%–78% intelligibility of Nubri [kte], 66% of Kyerung (Kyirong) [kgy]; 60%–66% of Lhasa Tibetan [bod]; 22%–25% of Northern Ghale [ghh], 14%–22% of Southern Ghale [ghe], 23%–27% of Kuke [ght]; 6% of Eastern Gorkha Tamang [tge], 14% of Gurung [gvr], 15% of Banspur Tamang. Divided into upper region, Yarba, and lower region, Ushug.

Typology

SOV.

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, friends. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Some also use Nepali [npi], as language of education and with those who do not understand Tsum. Also use Central Tibetan [bod], in religious domain.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 10% or less. Taught as subject in a few primary schools.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tsum
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Buddhist.