Page Type: languageNubri | Ethnologue

KTE ISO 639-3

Nubri

A language of Nepal

ISO 639
kte
Alternate Names
Bhote, Bhotia, Kutang, Kutang Bhotia, Larkye
Population
2,000 (2001 census). 500 monolinguals.
Location:
Gandaki province: Gorkha district, upper Budhi Gandaki river, from Namrung to Prok and Samdo.
Language Status
6a (Vigorous). Language of recognized indigenous nationality: Larke.
Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, Central Bodish, Central, gTsang
Dialects
Sama, Lho, Namrung, Prok. Only moderately intelligible of Kyirong Tibetan [kgy] (74%). The most distinct variety reportedly spoken in Samdo village. Sama is somewhat divergent. Tsum [ttz] reportedly not intelligible with Nubri. The language spoken in the Kutang area is not intelligible with Nubri, although most who live in this area reportedly can speak and understand Nubri. Lexical similarity: 78%–93% among dialects. Prok is more distinct. 71%–78% with Tsum [ttz]; 66%–74% with Kyirong Tibetan [kgy]; 67% with Dolpo [dre]; 65% with Loke [loy]; 59%–64% with Lhasa Tibetan [bod]; 64% with Olangchung Gola [ola] (Walungge) and Lhomi [lhm]; 61% with Helambu Sherpa [scp]; 57% with Jirel [jul]; 55% with Sherpa [xsr]; 21%–27% with Northern Ghale [ghh]; 20%–23% with Southern Ghale [ghe]; 14%–31% with Kuke [ght]; 14% with Eastern Gorkha Tamang [tge], Gurung [gvr], and Banspur Tamang.
Typology
SOV; postpositions; content q-words in situ.
Language Use
Vigorous. Most domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Central Tibetan [bod]. Speakers have minimal proficiency in Tibetan. Also use Nepali [npi]. Minimal proficiency in Nepali, which is used with outsiders. Used as L2 by Kuke [ght].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: Below 10%.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nubri
Writing
Unwritten [Qaax].
Other Comments
Nubri marry within their community and from the Kutang community. People trade in Gorkha District and also with Tibet. Ethnic identity is closely affiliated between the Nubri and the Kuke [ght]. Buddhist.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Gandaki province: Gorkha district, upper Budhi Gandaki river, from Namrung to Prok and Samdo.