Western Tamang Dictionary

Western Tamang - Nepali Dictionary

Tamang is a vibrant language spoken by the Tamang community, which ranks as the fifth most spoken language in Nepal, with 5.1% of the population according to the 2011 Census. It is part of the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. The Tamang community predominantly resides around the Kathmandu Valley, though they are also spread across various districts in Nepal. Recognizing their unique cultural identity, the Nepal government officially recognized Tamang as an indigenous ethnic group in 2058 VS. This recognition has been further solidified in the interim constitution of 2063 VS and the current constitution of 2072 VS, which have prioritized Tamang as a national language.

The 'Do:ra song' narrates the migration of Western Tamang people from Tibet into Nepal through 'Same' in the Himalayas. This migration story highlights the presence of Tamang communities in various locations such as 'Rhirhap', 'Gyagarden', 'Bompo', and 'Lambu', all situated around 'Same'. In Tamang culture, the belief that the Earth's tail lies to the north and its head to the south influences their burial practices, where the deceased's head is positioned southward before cremation. The term 'Same' is derived from 'Sa' (Earth) and 'me' (Tail), symbolizing 'the tail of the Earth'. This cultural narrative underscores the significant shifts from the tail to the head in their traditions.

Despite lacking a standardized grammar, Tamang is divided into two main dialects: Eastern and Western. The Eastern Tamang dialect, known as 'Syarba', originates from the Langtang Himal region east of the Trisuli River. Conversely, the Western Tamang dialect, referred to as 'Nhurba' or 'Nhuppa', is spoken in the western districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung, Chitawan, and Kanchanpur.

This bilingual dictionary is a collaborative effort by members of the Western Tamang speech community from the aforementioned districts. It translates Tamang words into Nepali, making it a valuable resource for comparative linguistic studies. However, the number of Western Tamang speakers is declining due to the pervasive influence of Nepali, the lingua franca. This shift poses a significant threat to the survival of Western Tamang as a mother tongue, making this dictionary an essential tool for its preservation, promotion, and development.

Continuous improvement is crucial for the dictionary's growth and maturity. The Tamang speech 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