Mewahang, Western

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A language of Nepal

ISO 639-3
raf
Alternate Names
Mewahang, Newahang, Newahang Jimi, Newang, Newange Rai, Western Meohang
Population

Few monolinguals. Ethnic population: 3,000.

Location

Koshi Zone, Sankhuwasabha district, upper Arun valley west of Arun river, Bala, Yamdang, Tamku, and Sisuwa. Bala dialect: Bala village, Sankhuwasabha VDC; Bumdemba dialect: Sishuwakhola 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

Bala (Balali), Bumdemba. Structurally different from Eastern Mewahang [emg].

Typology

SOV; postpositions; 24 consonant and 14 vowel phonemes

Language Use

The language is nearly extinct in the village of Tamku, the largest settlement in the area, where many ex-Gurkha pensioners live. Home; mixed use: Friends, religion, work. Young adults and older. Some use among children and adolescents. Positive attitudes. Also use Nepali [npi], Kulung [kle], or Lohorung [lbr].

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

Traditional religion, Hindu.