Endangered Languages of Eastern Tibet

Eastern Tibet, known for its diverse ethnic communities and rugged landscapes, has the highest linguistic diversity in Tibet. Many languages here are spoken by small communities in Kham and Amdo regions. However, increasing Mandarin influence, Tibetan dialect dominance, and lack of education in these languages have placed them at risk.

1. Rgyalrong (Jiarong)

• Speakers: Around 60,000, mostly in Sichuan, but some in Tibet.
• Status: Endangered—younger generations favor Tibetan or Mandarin.
• Region: Small groups found in Chamdo and Nyingchi Prefectures.
• Threats:
  • Lack of written script.
  • Mandarin and Tibetan used in schools.
• Preservation Efforts:
  • Linguists have documented parts of the language.
• Sample Words:
  • “nɯtɕʰi” – ‘sun’
  • “aʁo” – ‘father’
  • “qʰu” – ‘water’

2. Situ (Khams Tibetan dialect variant)

• Speakers: Fewer than 50,000 in Tibet, mostly older speakers.
• Status: Endangered—fading due to the rise of Standard Tibetan.
• Region: Kham region, in parts of Chamdo and Nyingchi.
• Threats:
  • Younger speakers shifting to Central Tibetan and Mandarin.
  • Lack of written materials in Situ.
• Preservation Efforts:
  • Some linguistic research, but no official revitalization programs.
• Sample Words:
  • “nyi” – ‘sun’
  • “ama” – ‘mother’
  • “chu” – ‘water’

3. Namuyi (Namuzi)

• Speakers: Fewer than 500, critically endangered!
• Status: Nearly extinct—only spoken by elders.
• Region: Found in Garzê (Kham region) and some parts of Tibet.
• Threats:
  • Most speakers have switched to Tibetan or Chinese.
  • No education programs exist for Namuyi.
• Preservation Efforts:
  • Some linguistic studies have documented the language.
• Sample Words:
  • “ɲi” – ‘sun’
  • “aʐo” – ‘father’
  • “kʰu” – ‘water’

4. Pumi (Primi)

• Speakers: About 50,000 total, but only a small group in Tibet.
• Status: Endangered—Mandarin is replacing it.
• Region: Spoken in Nyingchi Prefecture and Yunnan.
• Threats:
  • Education is in Mandarin, limiting transmission.
  • Intermarriage with Tibetan speakers leading to language shift.
• Preservation Efforts:
  • Some documentation projects exist.
• Sample Words:
  • “mi̥ʑa” – ‘sun’
  • “ama” – ‘mother’
  • “tsi” – ‘water’

Conclusion

Eastern Tibet’s languages face severe endangerment, with some on the brink of extinction. The increasing use of Tibetan and Mandarin in daily life, combined with a lack of preservation programs, threatens the survival of these unique languages. Without urgent action, many could disappear within a few decades.