Kyirong–Kagate languages

Kyirong–Kagate is a subgroup of Tibetic languages spoken primarily in Nepal, with a hundred or so speakers across the border in Tibet.

Kyirong–Kagate
RegionNepal, China
Native speakers
16,000 (2000 – 2011 census)
Language codes
ISO 639-3Variously:
kgy – Kyirong
syw – Kagate
ttz – Tsum
scp – Hyolmo
gyo – Gyalsumdo
Glottologkyir1235  adds Nubri

Varieties are:

Kyirong (Lende), Kagate, Tsum, Langtang, Yolmo (Helambu Sherpa), Nubri, Gyalsumdo

Although there is a varying degree of mutual intelligibility between these varieties, they are considered separate languages by their respective speakers. There are also some major distinctions. For example, Kyirong has a three-tone system whereas Yolmo and Kagate have a two-tone system. The Gyalsumdo language variety spoken in the Manage district of Nepal shows strong similarities to Kyirong, as well as Nubri, and would therefore likely be classed in the "Kyirong–Kagate" group.

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