Western Tamang Dictionary

Western Tamang - Nepali Dictionary

Tamang is a vibrant language spoken by the Tamang speech community. According to the 2011 Census in Nepal, Tamang ranks as the 5th most spoken language in the country, representing 5.1% of the population. It is part of the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. The Tamang community is predominantly located around the Kathmandu Valley, with additional populations spread across various districts in Nepal. In recognition of its cultural significance, the Nepal government officially designated Tamang as an indigenous ethnic community in 2058 VS. This recognition has been further solidified in Nepal's interim constitution of 2063 VS and the recent constitution of 2072 VS, which prioritize Tamang as a national language.

The origins of the Western Tamang people trace back to Tibet, as documented in the 'Do:ra song'. They entered Nepal through 'Same' in the Himalayas. Historical records indicate Tamang settlements in places like 'Rhirhap' and 'Gyagarden', situated below 'Bompo' and 'Lambu', and just above 'Same'. In Tamang tradition, influenced by the beliefs of Lama, Bompo, and Lambu, the dead are taken upwards for burial with their heads positioned towards the south, symbolizing the earth's head and tail. The term 'Same' in Tamang culture represents 'the tail of the Earth', reflecting the journey from the tail to the head.

Tamang does not have a standardized grammar and is characterized by 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 districts such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung, Chitawan, and Kanchanpur.

This bilingual dictionary is the result of collaborative efforts 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 increasing dominance of Nepali, the lingua franca, poses a significant threat to the continued use of Western Tamang as a mother tongue. This dictionary serves as a crucial tool in the preservation, promotion, and development of the Western Tamang language.

Continuous improvement and feedback are essential for enhancing this dictionary. The Tamang speech community, stakeholders, readers, organizations, and other concerned parties are encouraged to provide insightful comments and feedback to further develop this resource.

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