Nubri
PrintA language of Nepal
2,000 (2001 census). 500 monolinguals.
Gandaki Zone, North Gorkha district, upper Buri Gandaki river, from Namrung to Samdo and Prok.
6a (Vigorous). Language of recognized nationality (2002, NFDIN Act, No. 20, Section 2C).
Lho, Namrung, Prok, Sama. Only moderately intelligible of Kyirong Tibetan [kgy] (74%). The most distinct variety reportedly spoken in Samdo village. Sama is somewhat divergent. Tsum [ttz] reportedly not intelligible with Nubri. The language spoken in the Kutang area is not intelligible with Nubri, although most who live in this area reportedly can speak and understand Nubri. Lexical similarity: 78%–93% among dialects. Prok is more distinct. 71%–78% with Tsum [ttz]; 66%–74% with Kyirong Tibetan [kgy]; 67% with Dolpo [dre]; 65% with Loke [loy]; 59%–64% with Lhasa Tibetan [bod]; 64% with Olangchung Gola [ola] (Walungge) and Lhomi [lhm]; 61% with Helambu Sherpa [scp]; 57% with Jirel [jul]; 55% with Sherpa [xsr]; 21%–27% with Northern Ghale [ghh]; 20%–23% with Southern Ghale [ghe]; 14%–31% with Kuke [ght]; 14% with Eastern Gorkha Tamang [tge], Western Gurung [gvr], and Banspur Tamang.
SOV; postpositions; content q-words in situ
Nubri marry within their community and from the Kutang community. People trade in Gorkha District and also with Tibet. Ethnonym: Bhotia or Bhote, refers to people of Tibetan origin; in some contexts derogatory. Ethnic identity is closely affiliated between the Nubri and the Kuke [ght]. Buddhist (Lamaist).