An Enquiry into the Status of Lepcha

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Population and social dynamics. 3. The linguistic status of Lepcha: a grammatical sketch. 4. The Linguistic status of Lepcha development of the language. 5. Language attitude of the Lepchas in the multilingual context. 6. Ethno linguistic vitality of Lepcha. 7. Conclusion: The implication of the study in language planning. Appendices. Bibliography. Subject Index.

In the context of the current position of the languages of North-East India, where many languages are found to be marginalized, a detailed enquiry regarding the social dynamics of language maintenance and shift was felt essential especially in case of a tribal language like Lepcha. It has been studied by different scholars from different points of view starting from 1840 till date, a detailed enquiry regarding the status of the language was a desideratum. Therefore, keeping in view the socio-political situation of the Lepcha inhabiting areas like Dzongu valley of Sikkim and Darjeeling district of West Bengal, an enquiry into the status of Lepcha is attempted in this present treatise. The study on the status of the Lepcha language is carried out for understanding the situations of linguistic minority, the issue of language equality versus inequality, language development profile, the nature and extent of marginalization, language attitude and the ethno-linguistic vitality of the speech community. The implication of study in the context of language planning and development of the country is highlighted. (jacket)