Language

dungmali

The Dungmali language is spoken within the Kirat Rai community of Dungmali commuity. Historically, it was spoken in various locations such as Shyamshila, Tiwaribhanjyang, Changre, Yaku, Bastim, Tholo Dungma, Sano Dungma, and Jarayotar in the Bhojpur district, situated in the eastern hilly region of Nepal. However, over time, many of these locations have disappeared, and currently, the language is only spoken in three specific wards, particularly in Ward No. 4 Bastim, Ward No. 5 Sano Dung, and Ward No. 6 Thulo Dungma. Dungmali is a tribal vanishing language, classified within the Himalayan sub-group of Tibet Burman, falling under the Shine-Tibetan family. The term ‘Dungma’ is derived from the word dungma which translates to ‘to drink’. According to ancestral tales, during a period of water scarcity, a formidable figure, Bijuwa Dhami (witchdoctor) named One (Sahurung Sucha Luhun Rai), felt thirsty. To address this, he used his power to break open a water source, allowing him to drink water from what is now known as Chau Dungma.