Page Type: languageLhomi | Ethnologue

LHM ISO 639-3

Lhomi

ल्होमी‎ (Lhomi) Autonym

A language of Nepal

ISO 639
lhm
Alternate Names
Lhoket, Lhomi dzyükki keccyok, Lhomiki keccyok, “Bho Te bhasha” (pej.), “Kar Bhote” (pej.), “Kath Bhote” (pej.)
Autonym
ल्होमी‎ (Lhomi)
Population
7,000 in Nepal (2014 SIL), increasing. Ethnic population: 15,000. Total users in all countries: 9,320.
Location:
Kosi province: Sankhuwasabha district, Bhotkhola municipality, Chepuwa, Chyamtang, Gumba, Hatiya, Hungung, Namase, Rukuma, Shiprung, Simbung, and Syaksila villages, along the Arun river.
Language Status
5 (Developing). Language of recognized indigenous nationality: Lhomi (Shingsawa).
Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, Central Bodish, Central, gTsang
Dialects
None known. Lexical similarity: 69% with Dolpo [dre], 68% with Loke [loy], 66% with Walungge [ola], 65% with Lhasa Tibetan [bod] and Kyerung (Kyirong) [kgy], 64% with Nubri [kte], 60% with Helambu Sherpa [scp], 58% with Sherpa [xsr], 57% with Jirel [jul].
Typology
SOV; postpositions; noun head initial; masculine and feminine (limited class); content q-word precedes the main verb; 1 prefix, up to 3 suffixes; clause constituents indicated by case-marking; split ergativity; aspect; no passives or voice; tonal (tense-lax); 23 consonant and 8 vowel phonemes; evidentiality is a salient feature of Lhomi syntax.
Language Use
Vigorous. Home, friends, religion; mixed use: Work. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Central Tibetan [bod]. Also use Nepali [npi], especially educated people (fluently), women (increasingly), and 90% of men for trade. Used as L2 by Eastern Tamang [taj], Gurung [gvr], Khaling [klr], Naaba [nao].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 25%. Literacy rate in L2: 30%. Bilingual literacy campaign should impact adult (and women’s) literacy rate in Lhomi and Nepali [npi]. Literature. Newspapers. Videos. NT: 1995. Agency: Nepal Lhomi Society.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lhomi
Writing
Devanagari script [Deva].
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Lhomi
User Population
1,000 in China.
Location
Xizang Autonomous Region.
Language Status
6b (Threatened)
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Buddhist.
View other languages of China
Language Name
Lhomi
User Population
1,320 in India (2000 USCWM).
Location
West Bengal state: Darjeeling.
Language Status
6b (Threatened)
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Buddhist.
View other languages of India

Map

Location: Kosi province: Sankhuwasabha district, Bhotkhola municipality, Chepuwa, Chyamtang, Gumba, Hatiya, Hungung, Namase, Rukuma, Shiprung, Simbung, and Syaksila villages, along the Arun river.