Saam

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A language of Nepal

ISO 639-3
raq
Alternate Names
Saam Rai, Saama Kha, Samakha
Population

23 (2001 census).

Location

Koshi Zone, northern Bhojpur district, Dobhane and Khatamma (Khartangma) VDCs, straddling Irkhuwa river, in Dangmaya, Okharbote, Khartangma, and Dobhane settlements between Phedi and Irkhuwa rivers.

Language Maps
Language Status

8b (Nearly extinct). 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

Bungla, Sambya.

Language Use

Shifting to Nepali [npi]. Some use among older adults.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Saam
Writing
Unwritten.
Other Comments

Almost no study or documentation has been done on the languages spoken in northern Bhojpur district. Other groups called Saam may be Kulung [kle] or Lingkhim [lii]. Traditional religion.