Puneet Varma (Editor)

Nefamese

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Native to
  
Arunachal Pradesh

Language family
  
Assamese-based pidgin

Glottolog
  
nefa1235

Native speakers
  
unknown (2006)

ISO 639-3
  
nef

Nefamese (also Arunamese) is a nearly extinct pidgin of Arunachal Pradesh (formerly NEFA), India. Its classification is unclear; Ethnologue states that it is based on the Indic language Assamese, but also that it is most closely related to the Sino-Tibetan Gallong. It has also been influenced by Hindi and English.

Contents

Nefamese emerged in eastern Arunachal Pradesh as a lingua franca among the Nishi, Adi, Apatanai, Khampti, Hill Miri, Idu Mishimi, Nocte, Wanchu, Tagin, Mompa, Zakhring, Apatani, and Bugun peoples, among others—between them and with outsiders. The language is threatened by, and has perhaps been replaced by, the use of Hindi.

Phonology

Nefamese has six vowel phonemes, eighteen consonant phonemes and six diphthongs.

Also Read

  • Nagamese
  • References

    Nefamese Wikipedia