Alternate Names: Mugali, Mugu, Mugum
Dialects: Karmarong (Karani, Kar-ket, Karmai-kat), Mugom (Moe-ket, Mugali, Mugomba, Mumbai-kat). Intelligibility 89%–93% between dialect speakers (possibly higher). Definitely sufficient to understand complex and abstract discourse. Reportedly similar to Humla ,, Dolpo ,, and Loke ,. Lexical similarity: more than 85% between dialects, 75% with Tibetan ,.
Status Notes: Language of recognized indigenous nationality: Mugali.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 6,500 in Nepal (2006 SIL). Population total all countries: 7,000. 1,630 monolinguals (2002 UNESCO). Ethnic population: 6,500.
Language Use: Vigorous. Home, friends; mixed use: Religion, work, education. All ages. Positive attitudes. Some children are being introduced to English [eng]. Some men also use Hindi [hin]. Also use Central Tibetan [bod], Nepali [npi].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: Up to 22% in Nepali [npi]; men 30%, women 5%. Mugu District ranks very low in literacy among Nepal districts, especially among children and women. Strong affinity felt towards Tibetan [bod] and its writing system because of high lexical similarity. Poetry. Newspapers.
Typology: SOV; postpositions; content q-word in situ; clause constituents indicated by case-marking; ergativity; no passives or voice; tonal.
Writing System: Tibetan
Nation of Origin: Nepal
Other Comments: Karanis want recognition as a separate ethnic group. Mugalis may not accept materials written in Karani, and vice versa. Mugom value Nepali and English as a way to higher education. Mugalis see themselves a bit higher than Karanis, and are more influential as they travel and trade more. Buddhist (Lamaist).