Deori

DER

developing

Alternate Names: Chutiya, Dari, Deuri, Dewri, Drori

Dialects: May constitute its own subgroup under Bodo-Garo. Reportedly not similar to other languages. Dialect of Lakhimpur District is regarded as purest. Lexical similarity: 77%–93% with Deori varieties, 11%–16% with Bodo ,.

Genealogy:

Sino-Tibetan
Tibeto-Burman
Sal
Bodo-Garo-Northern Naga
Bodo-Koch

Demographics: 28,000 (2001 census). Ethnic population: 50,000.

Language Use: Vigorous among the Dibongya, the only subgroup that has retained the language. Home, village, religion, work. Positive attitudes. Many also use Assamese [asm], but women, older adults and uneducated have less proficiency.

Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 71%. Poetry. Radio programs.

Writing System: Bengali, Latin

Nation of Origin: India

Other Comments: A Scheduled Tribe. ‘Deori’, the temple guard. Deori Chutiya is 1 of 4 Chutiya subgroups. Do not call themselves Chutiya. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Hindu.