Examining Transformation in Lepcha Culture and Language within Dzongu, Upper Sikkim: A Reflective Analysis

Abstract

The Lepcha tribe, the oldest and first reported in Sikkim, India, predominantly resides in Dzongu valley, officially designated as a reserve for the Lepcha community. Nestled alongside the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in the north district, Dzongu is renowned for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Lepchas. Given the ongoing impact of globalization on cultural and economic dynamics, there is a pressing need to document the cultural diversity of the Lepcha community. Recent observations regarding the diminishing influence of the Lepcha language within the community highlight the necessity for a closer examination of the Lepcha speech community. This paper delves into the socio-political dimensions of Lepcha life and their implications for language and culture in Dzongu valley. By analyzing indicators of language maintenance and shift, this study aims to elucidate the direction in which the Lepcha speech community is heading, amidst changing socio-political landscapes.