Alternate Names: Mewahang, Newahang, Newahang Jimi, Newang, Newange Rai, Western Meohang
Dialects: Bala (Balali), Bumdemba. Structurally different from Eastern Mewahang ,.
Status Notes: Language of recognized indigenous nationality: Rai.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 4,650 all Mewahang (2011 census). Few monolinguals. Ethnic population: 3,000.
Language Use: The language is nearly extinct in the village of Tamku, the largest settlement in the area, where many ex-Gurkha pensioners live. Home; mixed use: Friends, religion, work. Young adults and older. Some use among children and adolescents. Positive attitudes. Also use Kulung [kle], Lohorung [lbr], Nepali [npi].
Language Development: Poetry. Dictionary.
Typology: SOV; postpositions; 24 consonant and 14 vowel phonemes.
Writing System: Devanagari
Nation of Origin: Nepal
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Hindu.