Alternate Names: Lapche, Nünpa, Rong, Rongke, Rongpa
Dialects: Ilammu, Rengjongmu, Tamsangmu. Classification uncertain; has been classified both in Himalayan and Naga groups.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 50,600 in India (2001 census). Population total all countries: 60,100.
Language Use: Vigorous. In Sikkim, all ages.
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 66% in Sikkim (2001 census). Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1989.
Writing System: Lepcha (Róng), Tibetan
Nation of Origin: India
Other Comments: A Scheduled Tribe. Lepcha is both language and name of people. Buddhist, Christian, Hindu.