Lepcha Language - Classification

Classification

Lepcha is difficult to classify, but Van Driem (2001) suggests that it may be closest to the Mahakiranti languages, a subfamily of the Himalayish languages. On the other hand, SIL International classifies Lepcha within Himalayish languages as a member of the sister Tibeto-Kanauri languages while noting an alternative classification within the Naga languages.

Lepcha is internally diverse, showing lexical influences from different majority language groups across the four main Lepcha communities. According to Plaisier (2007), these Nepali and Sikkimese Tibetan influences do not amount to a dialectical difference.