A descriptive grammar of two Magar dialects: Tanahu and Syangja Magar

Karen Grunow-Harsta, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Project Details:

Field Trip Grant. Duration: 2006-2007. £8,195

Project Summary:

The project will result in a comprehensive grammar, dictionary and transcribed texts from two dialects of Magar: Syangja and Tanahu. Magar is an endangered Tibeto-Burman language of Nepal. It is a significant language, but existing documentation is very limited. The dialects represent distinct variants and show differing degrees and types of influence from neighbouring language groups. Thus, in addition to a necessary and timely record of a threatened language, the grammar will contribute to our understanding of how language convergence manifests in areas of intense language-contact and will help to determine feature clusters and typological parameters which define this linguistic area.