Page Type: languageRongpo | Ethnologue

RNP ISO 639-3

Rongpo

A language of India

ISO 639
rnp
Alternate Names
Rang Po Bhasa, Rangkas, Rangpa, “Manchhi Bhassa” (pej.), “Marchha” (pej.), “Marchha Pahari” (pej.), “Tolchha” (pej.)
Population
7,500 (2001 D. Bradley).
Location:
Uttarakhand state: Chamoli district, Joshimath sub-district, Bampa, Gamshali, Malari, and Niti villages; Mana valley, Aut, Benakuli, Gajkoti, Hanuman Chatti, Indradhara, Pathiya-Dhantoli, and Mana. Mana and Niti valleys (Marchha), Niti valley (a few Tolchha).
Language Status
6a (Vigorous).
Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, West Himalayish, Kinauri
Dialects
Marchha, Tolchha. A Himalayan language distinct from Tibetan [bod].
Language Use
Rongpo speakers learn Garhwali simultaneously with Rongpo. Code switching and code mixing are very common. It is uncertain whether stable bilingualism will continue or whether Rongpo will be replaced by Garhwali or Hindi. Home, community. Used by all. Also use English [eng]. Also use Garhwali [gbm]. Also use Hindi [hin]. Also use Kumaoni [kfy].
Language Development
Hindi used for all written communication.
Other Comments
Many Indo-Aryan loanwords. Grierson and Konow referred to this as the Garhwal dialect of Tibetan (Grierson and Konow 1903–1928). Ranglo or Rang often used as a cover term for Byangs, Chaudangs, Darma, and Rongpo. Hindu.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Uttarakhand state: Chamoli district, Joshimath sub-district, Bampa, Gamshali, Malari, and Niti villages; Mana valley, Aut, Benakuli, Gajkoti, Hanuman Chatti, Indradhara, Pathiya-Dhantoli, and Mana. Mana and Niti valleys (Marchha), Niti valley (a few Tolchha).