Kyirong–Kagate languages
Tibetic language subgroup of Nepal and China / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kyirong–Kagate is a subgroup of Tibetic languages spoken primarily in Nepal, with a hundred or so speakers across the border in Tibet.
Quick Facts Region, Native speakers ...
Kyirong–Kagate | |
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Region | Nepal, China |
Native speakers | 16,000 (2000 – 2011 census)[1] |
Language codes | |
ISO 639-3 | Variously:kgy – Kyirongsyw – Kagatettz – Tsumscp – Hyolmogyo – Gyalsumdo |
Glottolog | kyir1235 adds Nubri |
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Varieties are:[2]
Although there is a varying degree of mutual intelligibility between these varieties,[3] they are considered separate languages by their respective speakers. There are also some major distinctions. For example, Kyirong has a three-tone system[4] whereas Yolmo and Kagate have a two-tone system.[5] The Gyalsumdo language variety spoken in the Manage district of Nepal shows strong similarities to Kyirong, as well as Nubri, and would therefore likely be classed in the "Kyirong–Kagate" group.[6]