Western Tamang Dictionary

Western Tamang - Nepali Dictionary

Tamang is a vibrant language spoken by the Tamang community. According to the 2011 Census of Nepal, Tamang ranks as the fifth most spoken language in the country, with 5.1 percent of the population using it. Classified within the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family, Tamang is predominantly spoken around the Kathmandu Valley, though the Tamang ethnic group is dispersed across various districts in Nepal. Recognizing its cultural significance, the Nepal government in 2058 VS officially recognized Tamang as an indigenous ethnic community. This recognition was further solidified in the interim constitution of 2063 VS and the constitution of 2072 VS, which 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 song references Tamang settlements in locations such as 'Rhirhap', 'Gyagarden', 'Bompo', and 'Lambu', which are positioned relative to 'Same'. In Tamang culture, the cosmological belief is that the Earth's tail points north and its head south, influencing the burial practices where the deceased's head is oriented southward before cremation. The term 'Same' is significant, translating to 'the tail of the Earth' from 'Sa' (Earth) and 'me' (Tail), symbolizing a shift from the tail to the head of the Earth.

Although Tamang lacks a standardized grammar, it is divided into two main dialects: Eastern and Western Tamang. Eastern Tamang, spoken east of the Trisuli River and originating from the Langtang Himal, is referred to as 'Syarba'. Conversely, Western Tamang, spoken in districts such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung, Chitawan, and Kanchanpur, is known as 'Nhurba' or 'Nhuppa'.

This bilingual dictionary is the result of collaborative efforts by members of the Western Tamang speech community from the aforementioned districts. It serves as a bridge between Tamang and Nepali, providing translations of Tamang words into Nepali, which can be invaluable for comparative linguistic studies. However, the number of Western Tamang speakers is declining as more individuals shift to Nepali, the lingua franca. This trend poses a significant threat to the survival of Western Tamang as a mother tongue, making this dictionary a crucial tool for its preservation, promotion, and development.

Continuous improvement of this dictionary is essential for its advancement and maturity. The Tamang speech community, along with 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 integrated for enhanced performance and compatibility

Western Tamang Dictionary Screenshots