Western Tamang Dictionary

Western Tamang - Nepali Dictionary

Tamang is a vibrant language spoken by the Tamang community, recognized as the 5th most spoken language in Nepal according to the 2011 Census, representing 5.1% of the population. It falls under the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. The Tamang community is predominantly found around the Kathmandu Valley, with a presence in various other districts across Nepal. In 2058 VS, the Nepal government officially acknowledged Tamang as an indigenous ethnic group, and its status as a national language was further cemented in the interim constitution of 2063 VS and the more recent constitution of 2072 VS.

The 'Do:ra song' narrates the migration of Western Tamang people from Tibet into Nepal via 'Same' in the Himalayas. This migration story connects Tamang communities in various locations such as 'Rhirhap', 'Gyagarden', 'Bompo', and 'Lambu', situated above 'Same'. In Tamang culture, the belief that the Earth's tail points north and its head south influences their burial practices, with the deceased's head oriented southward before cremation. 'Same' symbolizes 'the tail of the Earth', illustrating a cultural belief in the journey from the Earth's tail to its head.

Although Tamang does not have a standardized grammar, it is divided into two main dialects: Eastern and Western Tamang. Eastern Tamang, originating from the Langtang Himal and spoken east of the Trisuli River, is known as 'Syarba'. Conversely, Western Tamang, spoken in districts such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung, Chitawan, and Kanchanpur, is referred to as 'Nhurba' or 'Nhuppa'.

This bilingual dictionary, a collaborative effort by members of the Western Tamang community from the aforementioned districts, translates Tamang words into Nepali, facilitating comparative linguistic studies for outsiders. The decline in Western Tamang speakers, shifting towards Nepali due to its dominance as the lingua franca, poses a significant threat to the language's survival. This dictionary plays a crucial role in the preservation, promotion, and development of Western Tamang.

Continuous improvement of this dictionary is essential for its advancement and maturity. The Tamang community, stakeholders, readers, organizations, and other relevant authorities are encouraged to provide insightful comments and feedback to enhance this resource.

What's New in the Latest Version 1.7

Last updated on Sep 29, 2024

• Updated on July 30, 2024
• New Android SDK integration