Kusunda

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A language of Nepal

ISO 639-3
kgg
Alternate Names
Kusanda
Population

3 (2014 M. Donohue), decreasing. 87 reported in 2001 census, living in Pyuthan, Dang and Tanahun. 0 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 160.

Location

Gandaki Zone, Tanahu district, west hills, Satto Bhatti west of Chepetar, possibly the jungle south of Ambhu; Rapti Zone, Dang district, Ambapur and Deukhuri; Rolpa district, Tunibot; Lumbini Zone, Argakhachi district.

Language Maps
Language Status

8b (Nearly extinct). Language of recognized indigenous nationality: Kushunda.

Classification
Language isolate
Dialects

Gorkha, Rolpa-Dang, Tanahun. The Kusunda speakers of Rolpa, Dang and possibly Arghakhanchi districts of Midwestern Nepal belong to the same family. For this reason, their historical dialects (created by generation and geographical separation) are mutually intelligible.

Typology

SOV; postpositions; noun head final; 1 prefix, up to 2 suffixes; clause constituents indicated by case-marking; verbal affixation marks person and number; verb pronominalization with subject agreement; 31 consonant and 6 vowel phonemes.

Language Use

Most Kusunda speakers live separately and are married to non-Kusunda speakers. Older adults and elderly. Positive attitudes. 100% also use Nepali [npi].

Language Development
Dictionary. Grammar.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kusunda
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Traditional religion.