Lepcha

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A language of India

ISO 639-3
lep
Alternate Names
Lapche, Nünpa, Rong, Rongke, Rongpa
Population

50,600 in India (2001 census). Population total all countries: 55,430.

Location

Sikkim, Dzongu district; West Bengal, Darjeeling district, Kalimpong. Also in Bhutan, Nepal (Lapcha).

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Central Tibeto-Burman, Lepcha
Dialects

Ilammu, Rengjongmu, Tamsangmu. Classification uncertain; has been classified both in Himalayan and Naga groups.

Language Use

Vigorous. In Sikkim, all ages.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: 66% in Sikkim (2001 census). Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1989.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lepcha
Writing
Lepcha (Róng) script. Tibetan script.
Other Comments

A Scheduled Tribe. Lepcha is both language and name of people. Buddhist, Christian, Hindu.

Also spoken in:

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