Sherpa
PrintPrimary tabs
A language of Nepal
153,180 in Nepal, all users. L1 users: 145,000 in Nepal (2011 census), decreasing. L2 users: 8,180 (2011 census). A few elderly monolinguals in remote villages (UNESCO). Total users in all countries: 170,180 (as L1: 162,000; as L2: 8,180).
Bagmati province: Sindhupalchok district, Barhabise and Bhotekoshi municipalities; Dolakha district, Ghaurishankar and Jiri municipalities; Kosi province: Okaldunga district, Khijidemba, Likhu, Molung, and Siddhicharan municipalities; Ramechhap district, Gokulganga and Umakunda municipalities; Sankhuwasabha district, Makalu municipality; Solukumbu district, Dudhkoshi, Kumbupasanglahmu, Likhupike, Nechasalyan, and Solududhakunda municipalities.
6b (Threatened). Language of recognized indigenous nationality: Sherpa.
East Sherpa (Dolakha, Ramechhap), West Sherpa, Central Sherpa (Solu, South Sherpa), North Sherpa (Khumbu). 95% comprehension of Solu dialect by Western and Khumbu. Lexical similarity: 90% between Solu and Khumbu dialects; 67% with Jirel [jul]; 65% with Helambu Sherpa [scp]; 62% with Loke [loy] and Dolpo [dre]; 58% with Lhomi [lhm] and Lhasa Tibetan [bod]; 57% with Kyerung (Kyirong) [kgy]; 55% with Nubri [kte] and Walungge [ola].
SOV; postpositions; noun head initial; no noun classes or genders; content q-word in situ; 1 prefix, up to 3 suffixes; clause constituents indicated by case-marking; verbal affixation marks person; split ergativity; tense and aspect; no passive forms; tonal; 31 consonant and 6 vowel phonemes (also 6 diphthongs).
In villages vigorous but not in urban areas where there is some shift towards Nepali [npi]. Mixed use: Home, friends, religion, work, education. Some young people, all adults. Older adults and elderly. Some use among children, adolescents, and young adults. Positive attitudes. In schools children are teased if they use Sherpa. In Kathmandu parents use Nepali [npi] with school-age children. Also use Central Tibetan [bod]. Also use English [eng]. Also use French [fra]. Also use Korean [kor]. Also use Nepali [npi]. Also use Standard German [deu]. Used as L2 by Jirel [jul], Khaling [klr], Tibetan [bod].
Literacy rate in L1: 8%–9%. The Mountain Institute and the Curriculum Development Centre have published some primary education materials. Lack of language development is source of embarrassment for some. Literature. Newspapers. Radio. Dictionary. Texts. NT: 2014.
Tourism and increased wealth have given Sherpas the financial means to send their children to Kathmandu and abroad for education contributing to language shift. Buddhist, Christian.