Khaling language
Khaling is a Kiranti language spoken in Solukhumbu district, Nepal and in India. It is one of the few Kiranti languages with tonal contrasts, which are of secondary origin.
Khaling has approximately 15,000 speakers and is therefore considered a vulnerable language. Khaling has a complex system of stem alternations: as many as 10 distinct stems have to be posited for a word. Khaling is very unusual in having an auditory demonstrative. Khaling is also known as Rai, Khalinge Rai, Khael Bra, and Khael Baat.General information
Khaling is still being acquired by children who live in Khaling-speaking areas, as well as non-Khaling children who happen to live in that area.Geographical distribution
Khaling is spoken in the following VDC's of Nepal.
- Solukhumbu District, Province No. 1: Kanku, Basa, Waku, Buksa, Jubing, Pawai and Phuleli villages
- Khotang District, Province No. 1: Buipa Fuleli and Kharmi villages
- Udayapur District, Province No. 1: Triyuga Municipality Gaighat, Basaha, Belter, Rampur city.
- Sankhuwasabha District, Province No. 1: Tungkhaling village
- Sunsari District, Province No. 1: Dharan
- Ilam District, Province No. 1: Pang, Sumbek, and Mai Pokhari villages
