Page Type: languageLepcha | Ethnologue

LEP ISO 639-3

Lepcha

A language of India

ISO 639
lep
Alternate Names
Lapche, Nünpa, Rongke, Rongpa, Róng, Róng-ríng, Róngkup
Population
47,300 in India (2011 census). Total users in all countries: 57,930 (as L1: 57,700; as L2: 230).
Location:
Sikkim state: Dzongu district; West Bengal state: Darjeeling district, Kalimpong.
Language Status
6b* (Threatened).
Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Central Tibeto-Burman, Lepcha
Dialects
Ilammu, Tamsangmu, Rengjongmu. Classification uncertain; has been classified both in Himalayan and Naga groups.
Typology
SOV; postpositions; dual number; definite article; 32 consonants and 8 vowels.
Language Use
In Sikkim, all ages. Language use not known in other regions. Also use English [eng].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: 66% in Sikkim (2001 census). Taught in primary schools. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 1989.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lepcha
Writing
Lepcha (Róng) script [Lepc]. Tibetan script [Tibt].
Other Comments
Lepcha is both language and name of people. Buddhist, Christian, Hindu.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Lepcha
User Population
2,900 in Bhutan (2021 Joshua Project). , based on ethnicity.
Location
Samtse district: Amo river area, east and south lower valleys.
Dialects
Ilammu, Tamsangmu, Rengjongmu.
Language Status
6b (Threatened)
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Buddhist.
View other languages of Bhutan
Language Name
Lapcha
User Population
7,730 in Nepal, all users. L1 users: 7,500 in Nepal (2011 census), decreasing. L2 users: 230 (2011 census). No monolinguals.
Location
Kosi province: Ilam district, east along the Indian border.
Dialects
Ilammu, Tamsangmu, Rengjongmu.
Language Status
8a (Moribund)
Other Comments
Linguistic position within Tibeto-Burman still under discussion. Buddhist, Christian.
View other languages of Nepal

Map

Location: Sikkim state: Dzongu district; West Bengal state: Darjeeling district, Kalimpong.