Mewahang, Eastern

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A language of Nepal

ISO 639-3
emg
Alternate Names
Eastern Meohang, Mewahang, Newahang, Newahang Jimi, Newang, Newange Rai
Population

Almost no monolinguals. Ethnic population: 3,000.

Location

Koshi Zone, Sankhuwasabha district, Mangtewa, Yaphu, and Choyang VDCs; upper Arun valley east of the river. Sunsari dialect: Sunsari district, Bhaludhunga and Bishnupaduka VDC; Dibum (Dibung) dialect: Mangtewa VDC; Mulgaon-Wangtang dialect: Yaphu VDC.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened). Language of recognized nationality (2002, NFDIN Act, No. 20, Section 2C), Rai nationality.

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

Dibum, Mulgaon-Wangtang, Sunsari. Structurally different from Western Mewahang [raf].

Typology

SOV; postpositions; noun head final; verbal affixation marks person and number; tense and aspect

Language Use

Shifting to Nepali [npi]. Home, religion; mixed use: Friends, work. Older adults and elderly. Some use among children, adolescents, and young adults. Also use Nepali [npi], Kulung [kle], or Lohorung [lbr].

Language Development
Poetry. Dictionary.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Mewahang, Eastern
Writing
Devanagari script.
Other Comments

The language is regarded as a dialect of Western Mewahang [raf]. Traditional religion, Hindu.