Spoken living languages

ATHPARIYA

[APH] 2,000 (1995 Karen Ebert), 439,312 all Rai languages (1991 census). Kosi Zone, Dhankuta District, north of the Tamur, between the Dhankutakhola in the west and the Tangkhuwa in the east; Dhankuta and Bhirgaon panchayats. Alternate names: ATHAPRE, ATHPARE, ARTHARE, ARTHARE-KHESANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
 

AWADHI

[AWD] 374,638 in Nepal, 2.03% of the population (1991 census). Lumbini Zone, Kapilbastu District; Bheri Zone, Banke and Bardiya districts. Alternate names: ABADI, ABADHI, ABOHI, AMBODHI, AVADHI, BAISWARI, KOJALI, KOSALI. Dialects: BAGHELI, GANGAPARI, MIRZAPURI, PARDESI, THARU, UTTARI. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, East Central zone.
 

BAGHELI

[BFY] Morang District, Koshi Zone. Alternate names: BAGELKHANDI, BHUGELKHUD, MANNADI, RIWAI, GANGGAI, MANDAL, KEWOT, KEWAT, KAWATHI, KENAT, KEVAT BOLI, KEVATI, KEWANI, KEWATI, NAGPURI MARATHI. Dialects: MARARI, OJHI, POWARI, BANAPARI, GAHORE, TIRHARI, GODWANI (MANDLAHA), SONPARI. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, East Central zone.
 

BAHING

[RAR] 7,000 to 10,000 (1991 W. Winter). Sagarmatha Zone, Okhaldunga District, south of the Solu River in the Nachedanda ranges, east of the Melung River to the Thatan River and its tributaries in the west. Alternate names: RUMDALI, BAINGE RAI, BAING, BAYING, BAYUNG, BAHING LO, BAYUNG LO. Dialects: NAMBER SACHA, ROKHUNG, KHALING, BANENGE, DOBO LO, PROCA LO. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Sunwari.
 

BANTAWA

[BAP] 35,000 or more (1985 N.K. Rai), 50,700 to 70,000 including second language users (1991 W. Winter). 'Intermediate Bantawa' represents most groups (Hansson in Winter 1991:7). Morang, Dhankuta, Bhojpur districts, Koshi Zone, and western Dhankuta District, Khotang District. Amchoke is in Limbuwan, especially in Ilam District; Udaipur District, Sagarmatha Zone; Japa District, Mechi Zone. Many villages. Alternate names: BANTAWA RAI, BANTABA, BONTAWA, BANTAWA YÜNG, BANTAWA YONG, BANTAWA DUM. Dialects: NORTHERN BANTAWA (DILPALI), SOUTHERN BANTAWA (HANGKHIM), EASTERN BANTAWA (DHANKUTA), WESTERN BANTAWA, CHHINTANG, DUNGMALI (DUNMALI), WALING (WALUNG, WALÜNG), RUNGCHENBUNG, AMCHOKE (AMCHAUKE), YANGMA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
 

BARAAMU

[BRD] 2,000 (1998) out of 6,580 in the ethnic group (1996 Thapa). Gandaki Zone, North Gorkha District, Takhu village up the Doraundi Khola on the east side above Chorgate, near Kumhali, about 7 villages. They may be in Dhading District. Alternate names: BARHAMU, BRAHMU, BHRAMU, BRAMU, BARAM. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Eastern.
 

BARAGAUNLE

[BON] 1,600 to 2,200 or more, including 650 in Kagbeni, 530 to 1,140 in Jharkot, 400 in Purang (1990). Dhaulagiri Zone, Mustang District, 18 villages in the Kali Gandaki Valley and on the hillsides north of Jomosom up to Kagbeni, and east to Muktinath; on the plains and along the river. Alternate names: BARAGAUN, BARAGAON, BHOTI GURUNG. Dialects: JHARKOT, KAGBENI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
 

BELHARIYA

[BYW] 500 (1995 Karen Ebert) to 2,000 (1996 Bickel). Kosi Zone, Dhankuta District, Belhara village and hill west of Dhankuta Bajar. Alternate names: BELHARE, ATHPARIYA, ATHPAHARIYA, ATHPARE, ATHPAGARI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
 

BENGALI

[BNG] 27,712 in Nepal, 0.15% of the population (1991 census). Mechi Zone, Jhapa District; Koshi Zone, Morang and Sunsari districts; Sagarmatha Zone, Saptari District. Alternate names: BANGALA, BANGLA, BANGLA-BHASA. Dialects: BARIK, BHATIARI, CHIRMAR, KACHARI-BENGALI, LOHARI-MALPAHARIA, MUSSELMANI, RAJSHAHI, SAMARIA, SARAKI, SIRIPURIA. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese.
 

BHOJPURI

[BHJ] 1,379,717 in Nepal, 7.46% of population (1991 census). Main concentration in Narayani Zone, Rautahat, Para, and Parsa districts. And near the India border in Lumbini Zone, Nawalparasi District; Janakpur Zone, Sarlahi District; Koshi Zone, Morang District; Mechi Zone, Jhapa District. Alternate names: BHOJAPURI, BHOZPURI, BAJPURI. Dialects: BHOJPURI THARU, TELI. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bihari.
 

BODO

[BRX] 938 in Nepal (1961 census). Mechi Zone, Jhapa District. Alternate names: BORO, BODI, BARA, BORONI, MECHE, MECHI, MECI, MECH, MACHE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Bodo-Garo, Bodo.
 

BOTE-MAJHI

[BMJ] 11,000 (1991 census). Mainly Chitawan District, Narayani Zone, near Kumhali. Alternate names: KUSHAR. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Unclassified.
 

BUJHYAL

[GOR] 5,000 (1998). Gandaki Zone, East Tanahun, south side of Chimkesori Peak, behind Yangchok, near the Magar. Separated from the Chepang by the Trisuli (Narayani) River. Alternate names: GHARTI, BUJHEL, BUJAL, WESTERN CHEPANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Chepang.
 

BYANGSI

[BEE] 1,314 in Nepal or 0.01% of the population (1991 census). Mahakali Zone, Darchula District. Alternate names: BYANSHI, BYANSI, BYANGKHO LWO. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Almora.
 

CAMLING

[RAB] 10,000 or fewer (1995 Karen Ebert). Rawa Valley, Khotang District, Sagarmatha Zone. Alternate names: CHAMLING, CHAMLINGE RAI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
 

CHANTYAL

[CHX] 2,000 speakers out of 10,000 in the ethnic group (1997 Michael Noonan). Dhaulagiri Zone, Myagdi District, Kali Gandaki River valley. Ethnic Chantel also in Baglung District. Alternate names: CHENTEL, CHANTEL. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
 

CHAUDANGSI

[CDN] Mahakali Zone, far western. Alternate names: TSAUDANGSI, BANGBA LWO. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Almora.
 

CHEPANG

[CDM] 34,000 or 0.14% of the population (1997). Inner Terai; Narayani Zone, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and South Dhading districts; Gandaki Zone, South Gorkha District. Alternate names: TSEPANG. Dialects: EASTERN CHEPANG, WESTERN CHEPANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Chepang.
 

CHHINTANG

[CTN] 100 or fewer (1991 W. Winter). Lower Arun region, Dhankuta District, Chhintang panchayat, Sambhung and Pokhare, and Ankhisalla panchayat, Dandagaon. Alternate names: CHHINTANGE, TELI, CHINTANG RÛNG, CHINTANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
 

CHHULUNG

[CUR] 1,000 or fewer (1991 W. Winter). Ankhisalla Panchayat, Dhankuta District, end of Chhintang Panchayat. Alternate names: CHULUNG, CHÜLÜNG, CHHÛLÛNG RÛNG, CHHOLUNG, CHHILLING. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
 

CHOURASE

[TSU] 5,000 or more (1991 W. Winter). Sagarmatha Zone, Udayapur and Okhaldhunga districts. Alternate names: TSAURASYA, CHAURASIA, CHAURASYA, CHOURASIA, UMBULE, AMBULE, OMBULE. Dialects: BONU, UBU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
 

CHUKWA

[CUW] 100 or fewer (1991 W. Winter). Kulung Panchayat, Bhojpur District. Alternate names: CUKWA RING, POHING, POHING KHA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.  

DARAI

[DRY] 7,000 (1991 census). Inner Terai, Narayani Zone, Chitawan District. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Unclassified.
 

DHANWAR

[DHW] 16,000 (1993 Johnstone). Eastern hills and plain, inner Terai and Terai south of Kathmandu, Sindhuli Garhi, Makwanpur District, Narayani Zone. Alternate names: DHANVAR, DANUWAR RAI, DANUWAR, DENWAR. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Unclassified.
 

DHIMAL

[DHI] 15,014 or 0.08% of the population (1991 census). Mechi Zone, Jhapa District; Koshi Zone, Morang District. Dialects: EASTERN DHIMAL, WESTERN DHIMAL. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Dhimal.
 

DOLPO

[DRE] 5,000 to 10,000 (1998). Dolpa, northern, Karnali Zone, villages of Goomatara, Kola, Tachel, Kani, Bajebara, Laun, Chilpara, Bantari, Byas, above Dolpa up to Tibet. It is beyond the mountains west of the upper Kali Gandaki River valley. Confined by the Dhaulagire Himal on the south and Tibet on the north. Includes the headwaters of the Karnali River. About 24 small villages scattered over 500 square miles in Namgang, Panzgang, Tarap, and Chharbung subdistricts. Alternate names: PHOKE DOLPA, DOLPA TIBETAN. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
 

DUMI

[DUS] 1,000 to 2,000 (1991 W. Winter). Northern Khotang District, hills near the middle of the Rawakhola Valley. Alternate names: DUMI BO'O, DUMI BRO, RO'DO BO', LSI RAI, SOTMALI. Dialects: BRASMI, KHARBARI, LAMDIJA, MAKPA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
 

DUNGMALI

[RAA] 3,000 to 5,000 (1991 W. Winter). East of central Bhojpur District, northeast of the Singtang lekh, bend of the Arun River between its confluence with the Piukhuwa and the first confluence with the Piluwa River. Alternate names: DUNGMALI PÛK, DUNGMALI-BANTAWA, ARTHARE, ARTHARE-KHESANG. Dialects: KHESANG (KHESANGE). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Eastern.
 

DZONGKHA

[DZO] Some in Kathmandu. Alternate names: JONKHA, BHOTIA OF BHUTAN, ZONGKHAR, DRUKKE, DRUKHA, BHUTANESE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Southern.
 

GHALE, KUTANG

[GHT] 1,300 (1992). Gandaki Zone, Northern Gorkha District, Buri Gandaki Valley from Nyak, up to and including Prok. Alternate names: BHOTTE. Dialects: BIHI, CHAK, RANA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
 

GHALE, NORTHERN

[GHH] 2,500 (1991 Smith). Gandaki Zone, Gorkha District, Buri Gandaki Valley. Dialects: KHORLA, UIYA, JAGAT, PHILIM, NYAK. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
 

GHALE, SOUTHERN

[GHE] 12,000 (1975 Nishi). Gandaki Zone, Gorkha District, hills south of Macha Khola. Alternate names: GALLE GURUNG. Dialects: BARPAK, KYAURA, LAPRAK. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
 

GURUNG, EASTERN

[GGN] 105,000 or more, 1.23% of the population (1991 census). 227,918 all Gurung languages in Nepal (1991 census). Western Dev. Region, Gandaki Zone, mainly Lamjung, Tanahu, and western Gorkha districts. Possibly some in Manang District. Dialects: LAMJUNG GURUNG, GORKHA GURUNG, TAMU KYI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
 

GURUNG, WESTERN

[GVR] 72,000 in Nepal (1991 census). Northwestern dialect is the largest. 227,918 all Gurung languages in Nepal, 1.23% of the population (1991 census). Population total all countries 72,000 or more. Alternate names: GURUNG, TAMU KYI. Dialects: SOUTHERN GURUNG (SYANGJA GURUNG), NORTHWESTERN GURUNG (KASKI GURUNG). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tamangic.
 

HELAMBU SHERPA

[SCP] 5,000 to 10,000 (1998). Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok districts, Bagmati Zone, Helambu area. Alternate names: YOHLMU TAM. Dialects: EASTERN HELAMBU SHERPA, WESTERN HELAMBU SHERPA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
 

HINDI

[HND] 170,997 in Nepal, or 0.92% of the population (1991 census). Southern strip of low country. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Hindustani.
 

HUMLA BHOTIA

[HUT] Bajura District, Seti Zone; Humla District, Karnali Zone. Alternate names: DANGALI, PHOKE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
 

JERUNG

[JEE] 1,000 to 2,000 (1991 W. Winter). Around and above the mouth of the Melungkhola River. Alternate names: JERO, JERUM, JERUNGE, JHERUNG, JERO MALA, ZERO, ZERUM, ZERO MALA. Dialects: MADHAVPUR, BALKHU-SISNERI, RATNAWATI (SINDHULI). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
 

JIREL

[JUL] 8,000 to 10,000 (1998). Janakpur Zone, Dolakha District, Jiri and Sikri valleys, eastern hills. Jiri is the main area. Others include Chhyatrapa; Lumbini and Nawalparasi districts. Alternate names: ZIRAL, JIRI, JIRIAL. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Southern.
 

KAGATE

[SYW] 800 to 1,000 (1998). Janakpur Zone, Ramechhap District, on one of the ridges of Likhu Khola. Alternate names: SHUBA, SHYUBA, SYUBA, KAGATE BHOTE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central.
 

KAIKE

[KZQ] 2,000 (1997 Bradley). Karnali Zone, Dolpa District; Daulagiri Zone. Alternate names: TARALI KHAM. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Kanauri.
 

KAYORT

[KYV] Koshi Zone, Morang District, Dakuwa Danga, near Rajbangsi language. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese.
 

KHALING

[KLR] 15,000 to 20,000 (1975). Population total both countries 15,000 to 20,000. Alternate names: KHALINGE RAI, KHAEL BRA, KHAEL BAAT. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kiranti, Western.
 

KHAM, GAMALE

[KGJ] 10,000 (1988). Gam Khola, western hills, Rukum and Rolpa districts, Rapti Zone. Alternate names: GAMALE. Dialects: TAMALI, GHUSBANGGI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
 

KHAM, MAIKOTI

[ZKM] 2,500 (1993). Western hills, Rukum and Rolpa districts, Rapti Zone. Alternate names: MAIKOTI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
 

KHAM, NISI

[KIF] 3,000 (1988). Western hills, Rukum and Rolpa districts, Rapti Zone. Alternate names: NISI, NISEL, NISHEL KHAM, EASTERN PARBATE. Dialects: BHUJEL KHAM. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
 

KHAM, SHESHI

[KIP] 7,500 (1988). Western hills, Rukum and Rolpa districts, Rapti Zone. Alternate names: SHESHI. Dialects: TAPNANGGI, JANGKOTI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
 

KHAM, TAKALE

[KJL] 40,000 to 50,000 (1998). Rapti Zone, Rukum, Rolpa districts, west central Nepal. Taka-Shera is the center. Some in Dhaulagiri Zone, Baglung District. Alternate names: KHAM-MAGAR, TAKALE, WESTERN PARBATE. Dialects: TAKALE, LUKUMEL, WALE, THABANGGI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Mahakiranti, Kham-Magar-Chepang-Sunwari, Kham.
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