Ijim

Ijim is a type of Tamang language used in the northeastern part of Bhutan. It is also known as Bhutanese Tamang or simply Tamang, referring to the ethnic group it is spoken by.

Tamang is a Sino-Tibetan language and Ijim is its specific dialect. It is one of the 24 officially recognized languages of Bhutan. Ijim is spoken by approximately 8,000 people in the country, primarily residing in the districts of Trashigang, Pemagatshel, and Mongar.

The Ijim dialect is shared by the Tamang people in Nepal as well, who use it interchangeably with other languages such as Nepali and Dzongkha. However, there are distinct differences in vocabulary and pronunciation between the Ijim spoken in Bhutan and that spoken in Nepal.

The Ijim language has its own script, which is an adaptation of the Tibetan script with the addition of some unique letters. Despite its recognition as one of Bhutan's national languages, there is a lack of documentation and teaching materials in the Ijim language. Efforts have been made to introduce Ijim in schools, but it largely remains a spoken dialect used at home and in informal gatherings.

Linguistic research suggests that Ijim is closely related to other Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in the region. It shows bilateral affinities with languages such as Tibetan, Mende, and Shangri La, commonly found in the Himalayas. Efforts are ongoing to conserve and record the Ijim dialect to ensure its continued existence and study by linguistics and locals alike.