Sociolinguistic Study of the Chepang Language Speaking in Nepal

Abstract

The Chepang is one of the indigenous nationalities of Nepal, having its own distinct linguistic and cultural identities. The language has its own sociolinguistic features like dialectical variation, language attitudes, multilingualism, and language choice. In this context, the study critically examines the sociolinguistic context of the Chepang in contemporary times. The main focus of this is to analyze the variation of the Chepang language in a sociolinguistic context and to find out the use of the Chepang language in different social contexts. The study followed mixed-method research and analyzed the data collected from the field. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the field survey conducted in both the core and peripheral areas of the Chepang settlement. The Sociolinguistic Survey questionnaire was used as a tool of data collection, and the data were collected through a participatory approach. For this study, 100 respondents were randomly selected from four districts of Nepal. Findings and conclusions of this study are based on the primary information. From the analysis of the data, it is found that the Chepang language is highly influenced by the Nepali language. Respondents have a positive attitude toward preserving their language; however, the language policy of the nation and the education system forced them to adopt powerful language to communicate in public.