Lamkang is a Naga language spoken by Lamkang Naga of Manipur, India, with one village in Burma. The Lamkangs are mostly settled in the southwest and southeastern parts of Manipur. The language has been influenced by the state language Meitei as the people have been in contact with Meiteis, and as Meitei is used as a lingua franca among local tribes. There are current language documentation efforts by native speakers including Bible Translation by Mr. Swamy Tholung Ksen under the Bibles International, Pautum Ren (New Testament) the collection of traditional stories songs (done by Beshot Khullar) Children’s story book Knao Bu Then, Naoluwng Paomin, published by SIL, and the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights (UDHR) and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) translated by Sumshot Khular, and videography of traditional dances and stories (done by the Rev. Daniel Tholung) and work on creating a standard orthography (by the Lamkang Literature and Education Committee).
Geographical distribution
Lamkang is spoken in the following locations (Ethnologue).
- Chandel district, southwestern and southeastern Manipur
- 7 villages to the west and east of Sugunu, Keithelmanbi, Chayang, Purum Pantha, Leingangching, Nungkangching, Komsen, Kurnuching
- 7 villages between Chalong and Mombi New, Kongpe, Angbrasu, Challong, Paraolon, Lungkharlon, M.Seljol, Khuutun
- c. 20 villages between Pallel, Chandel town
Thamlakhuren, Thamlapokpi (Damloonkhuupii), Leipungtampak (Rindamkhuu), Laiktla, Ksen Khuupii, Lamkang Khunthak, New Lamkang Khunthak, Sektaikarong, Lamkang Khunou (Wangjangloon), Mantri Pantha, Damjool, Aibuldaam, Ringkhuu, P.RaalRingkhuu, Angkhel Chayang, Deeringkhuu, Daampii, Khuutii, Charancghing Khunkha, Chanrangching khunou,