Rongpo

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A language of India

ISO 639-3
rnp
Alternate Names
“Manchhi Bhassa” (pej.), “Marchha” (pej.), “Marchha Pahari” (pej.), Rang Po Bhasa, Rangkas, Rangpa, “Tolchha” (pej.)
Population

7,500 (2001 D. Bradley).

Location

Uttarakhand, Chamoli district, Joshimath tahsil, Niti valley, Niti, Gamshali, Bampa, and Malari villages; Mana valley, Mana, Indradhara, Gajkoti, Pathiya-Dhantoli, Hanuman Chatti, Benakuli, and Aut. Marchha dialect in Mana and Niti valleys, a few Tolchha in Niti valley.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, West Himalayish, Kinauri
Dialects

Marchha, Tolchha. A Himalayan language distinct from Tibetan [bod].

Language Use

Rongpo speakers learn Garhwali simultaneously with Rongpo. Code switching and code mixing are very common. It is uncertain whether stable bilingualism will continue or whether Rongpo will be replaced by Garhwali or Hindi. Home, community. All ages. Stable bilingualism in Garhwali [gbm], Hindi [hin]. Some also use Kumaoni [kfy].

Language Development
Hindi used for all written communication.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Rongpo
Other Comments

Many Indo-Aryan loanwords. Grierson and Konow (1901–1929) referred to this as the Garhwal dialect of Tibetan. Ranglo or Rang often used as a cover term for Byangs, Chaudangs, Darma, and Rongpo. Hindu.