About the Language

Sümi, also known as Sema, is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the northeastern part of India, primarily in the state of Nagaland. It belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family, which encompasses a variety of languages spoken across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayan region. Sumi is spoken by the Sumi Naga ethnic group, according to the 2011 census, there are around 350,000 native speakers. The language features a rich oral tradition and is used in everyday communication, traditional ceremonies, and cultural practices. Sumi has several dialects, reflecting the diverse and dispersed nature of its speakers. Geographically, it is concentrated in the Zünheboto district and surrounding areas of Nagaland. Despite its regional concentration, Sumi is influenced by and contributes to the multilingual tapestry of Nagaland, where many indigenous languages coexist. Efforts are being made to preserve and promote Sumi, including its inclusion in educational curricula and documentation projects. The language's script is Roman-based, adapted to capture its unique phonetic characteristics.
2024-09-25T18:44:17+05:30
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