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Tshangla Language

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Tshangla (also known as Sharchopkha) is the most widely spoken language in Bhutan by number of native speakers, used primarily in the eastern districts. It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family and has no standard written form.

Tshangla Language
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Overview

Tshangla[1], also known as Sharchopkha[3] ("language of the east"), is the most widely spoken native language in Bhutan by number of speakers. It is the mother tongue of the Sharchop people of eastern Bhutan[4] and is spoken across Trashigang, Mongar, Pema Gatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar, Trashi Yangtse, and Lhuentse districts.

Classification

Tshangla belongs to the Tibeto-Burman[2] family of languages, though its exact classification is debated. It is mutually unintelligible with Dzongkha, Bhutan's official language.

Status

Despite being the most widely spoken mother tongue, Tshangla has no standardized written script and is not an official language of instruction. Dzongkha serves as the national language, and English is the medium of instruction in schools, which has led to concerns about the long-term vitality of Tshangla.

References

  1. "Tsanglakha: The Main Language of Eastern Bhutan." Mandala Texts, University of Virginia.
  2. "Tshangla language — Linguistic overview." UMass Amherst.
  3. "Languages in Bhutan: Dzongkha, Tibetan, Tshanglakha." Facts and Details.
  4. "RAOnline: Ethnic Groups — Tshangla." RAOnline Bhutan.

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