Karbi

MJW

developing

Alternate Names: Arleng Alam, Karbi Karbak, Manchati, “Mikir” (pej.), “Mikiri” (pej.), Nihang, Puta

Dialects: Chingthang (Jynthong), Mirlong, Rong Kethang (Rengkhang, Rongkhang). Lexical similarity: 82%–96% between dialects.

Genealogy:

Sino-Tibetan
Tibeto-Burman
Sal
Kuki-Chin-Naga
Karbi

Demographics: 420,000 (2001 census).

Language Use: Other groups speak Karbi as L1, including some Dimasa. Speakers of all ages use Assamese [asm]. Used as L2 by Sakachep [sch].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 54% in Assam (2001 census). Radio programs. Grammar. Bible: 1952.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: India

Other Comments: A Scheduled Tribe. Hindu, Christian, traditional religion.