Yamphu

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A language of Nepal

ISO 639-3
ybi
Alternate Names
Yakkhaba Khap, Yamphu Kha, Yamphu Rai, Yangphu, “Yamphe” (pej.)
Autonym
याम्फु खाप‎ (Yāmphu khāpa)
User Population

9,540, all users. L1 users: 9,210 (2011 census), decreasing. L2 users: 330 (2011 census).

Location

Kosi province: Sankhuwasabha district, Makalu municipality, Ala, Hedangna, Karmarang, Num, Mangsimma, Peppuwa, Seduwa, Tungkhaling, Uling, Uwa, and Walung villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened). Language of recognized indigenous nationality: Rai.

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Himalayan, Kiranti, Eastern
Dialects

Hedangna Yamphu, Seduwa Yamphu. The Yamphu Rai are most closely related to Lohorung [lbr] and Mewahang. 61% intelligibility of Lohorung [lbr]. Lexical similarity: 84%–90% between dialects, 74%–84% with Southern Yamphu [lrr], 64%–67% with Lohorung [lbr].

Language Use

Language passed on to children but being steadily replaced by Nepali [npi] (Toba et al 2005). Religion. Some young people, all adults. Also use Nepali [npi], bilingually.

Language Development

Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible portions: 2015–2017.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Yamphu
Writing

Devanagari script [Deva], used since 2011.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian, Hindu.