SIL International Publications

Yamphu: A Sociolinguistic Survey

Relation Text: 
SIL Electronic Survey Reports 2014-007
Statement of Responsibility: 
Hilty, Holly J. and Jessica R. Mitchell
Issue Date: 
2014
Abstract: 

This report presents the results of sociolinguistic research conducted among representatives of four Rai language communities of Sankhuwasabha and Dhankuta districts of Nepal: the Yamphu [ybi], Yamphe [yma], Northern Lorung [lbr], and Southern Lorung [lrr]. Linguistic and anthropological research has been conducted in these communities by van Driem, Hanβon, Hardman, Rutgers, and Forbes. All of these researchers have provided valuable information, but have not shed light on sociolinguistic realities. Given the unclear vitality of each language and the relationships between these languages, the results of the research show the following: Yamphe [yma] is shown to not be a unique linguistic entity. The Southern Lorung [lrr] community identifies themselves as Yamphu, but speaks a different variety than the Yamphu to the north and so will be called Southern Yamphu [lrr]; Because there is no Southern Lorung and because the autoglottonym includes /ho/, Northern Lorung [lbr] should be called Lohorung. While vitality varies by village, overall, it is strong enough to warrant further language development in all Yamphu communities. Each Yamphu community expressed desire for language-based development and should be supported in appropriate ways. Relatively low lexical similarity and intelligibility test scores, as well as reported language use and attitudes between Yamphu, Southern Yamphu, and Lohorung support the claims of this research. Strong ethnolinguistic identity and language use point towards high vitality and continued language use.

Extent: 
193 pages
Subject: 
Survey Report
Sankhuwasabha District
Language Surveys
Dhankuta District
Country: 
Nepal
Nature of Work: 
Domain SubType: