Yamphu

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A language of Nepal

ISO 639-3
ybi
Alternate Names
Yamphe, Yamphu Kha, Yamphu Rai
Population

1,720 (2001 census), decreasing.

Location

Koshi Zone, Sankhuwasabha district, Hedangna, Num, Seduwa, Peppuwa, Mangsimma, Karmarang, Tungkhaling, Uwa, Ala, Uling, and Walung villages. Eastern hills, upper Arun valley, Matsayapokhari VDC, extreme north Lorung area, directly southwest of Jaljale Mountains; Koshi Zone, Bhojpur district.

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

The Yamphu Rai are closely related to Lohorung Rai and Mewahang Rai. 61% intelligibility of Lohorung [lbr]. Lexical similarity: 84%–90% between dialects, 74%–84% with Southern Yamphu [lrr], 64%–67% with Lohorung [lbr].

Language Use

Language passed on to children but being steadily replaced by Nepali (Toba, Toba, and Rai 2005). Religion. Almost all are bilingual in Nepali [npi] (2002 UNESCO).

Language Development
Poetry. Dictionary. Grammar.
Writing
Unwritten.
Other Comments

Traditional religion, Hindu, Christian.