Zekhring People and Zakhring Language in Tibet

Zakhring, also known as Eastern Mishmi or Zaiwa, is called Meyor in India and Zha (Zhahua 扎话) in China. It is spoken in Arunachal Pradesh, India, and in three villages in Tibet, China. The language is spoken by a small population of approximately 300 people in China (as of 2000). Due to prolonged contact with Tibetic languages, Zakhring has undergone significant influence from Tibetan but still retains its original Germanic-Tibetan linguistic base, making it a mixed language.

1. Classification

Zakhring is categorized as a Midzuish language, though its classification remains debated among linguists. Different researchers have proposed varying theories about its origins and relationships with other languages:

1.1 Blench and Post (2011) Theory

• Zakhring is an East Bodish language influenced by Midzu (which they classify as a language isolate) and other diverse languages of the region.
• The language has absorbed phonetic, grammatical, and lexical elements from Midzu and Tibetic.

1.2 Blench (2015) Hypothesis

• Zakhring may be a language isolate, meaning it does not belong to any known language family.
• The language shows heavy borrowing from Midzu, Tibetic, Naga languages, and Jingpho, indicating prolonged linguistic contact.

1.3 Scott DeLancey (2015) View

• Zakhring (Meyor) is considered part of a broader Central Tibeto-Burman group, suggesting that it has deeper connections with other Tibeto-Burman languages.

Despite these debates, Zakhring remains a unique language that has developed through cultural and linguistic exchanges with its neighboring communities.

2. Names and Exonyms

Zakhring speakers do not have a specific autonym (a name they call themselves), but they are referred to differently by neighboring ethnic groups:

• The Idu speakers, who reside in Upper Zayü Township (上察隅乡, Tibet), refer to Zakhring speakers as mi31 si55 pu53.
• According to Li and Jiang (2001), the Kaman exonym for Tibetans of Bomi County (波密县, Tibet) is si31 dut55 pu55.
• The Taraon people refer to Tibetans as la31 ma35, while the Kaman people call them de31 loŋ55.

These varying exonyms reflect the complex sociolinguistic interactions between Zakhring speakers and their neighboring ethnic groups.

3. Geographic Distribution

Zakhring is spoken in both China (Tibet Autonomous Region) and India (Arunachal Pradesh).

3.1 Distribution in China

In China, Zakhring is spoken in three villages located in Lower Zayü Township (下察隅乡, Zayü County, Tibet):

• Songgu Village (松古村)
• Lading Village (拉丁村)
• Tama Village (塔玛村)

These villages are located near the border with Arunachal Pradesh, making Zakhring a cross-border language spoken by communities in both India and China.

3.2 Distribution in India

In India, Zakhring (Meyor) is spoken by communities in Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in the Kibthoo Circle and Walong Circle. The total population of these villages was 376 as of May 2001.

Villages in Kibthoo Circle

1. Kahao
2. Mosai
3. Danbari
4. Kundan
5. Khroti
6. Yaikung
7. Bara Kundan
8. Kunjuk

Villages in Walong Circle

1. Walong
2. Tinai
3. Dong
4. Tilam
5. Sapkung
6. Pangung

These villages are located in the far northeastern part of India, close to the India-China border.

4. Linguistic Features

Zakhring exhibits unique linguistic features due to its historical influences from multiple languages:

4.1 Phonetics and Phonology

• The language retains elements from Midzu, Tibetic, Jingpho, and Naga languages.
• There is tonal variation, similar to Tibeto-Burman languages.
• Pronunciation is influenced by Tibetan and Midzuish tones.

4.2 Grammar and Syntax

• The sentence structure follows Tibeto-Burman grammatical patterns.
• It incorporates loanwords from Tibetan, Jingpho, and Naga languages.
• Verb conjugation and noun cases show Midzuish influences.

4.3 Loanwords and Borrowings

• Heavy borrowing from Tibetic and Midzuish languages.
• Later borrowings from Naga languages and Jingpho, indicating recent linguistic contact.

5. Current Status and Preservation Efforts

Zakhring is classified as an endangered language due to its small speaker population and the influence of dominant languages like Tibetan, Hindi, and Chinese. Key challenges include:

1. Declining number of speakers – Younger generations are shifting to Tibetan, Hindi, and Mandarin Chinese.
2. Lack of written literature – Zakhring has no standardized written script, making language transmission difficult.
3. Cultural assimilation – Increased interaction with larger communities has led to language shift.

Preservation Efforts

• Local documentation projects by linguists are underway.
• Efforts to introduce language education in Meyor-speaking villages in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Linguistic research is being conducted to classify and document Zakhring grammar and vocabulary.

Zakhring (Meyor/Zha) is a unique and endangered language spoken in Tibet (China) and Arunachal Pradesh (India). While influenced by Tibetic, Midzuish, and Naga languages, it retains a distinct linguistic identity. Due to cultural assimilation and language shift, Zakhring is at risk of disappearing, making linguistic documentation and preservation efforts crucial.