Endangered Languages of Bhutan

Dzongkha is the official and national language of Bhutan. It is spoken by approximately 160,000 people, primarily in the western and central regions of the country.

There are approximately 20 endangered languages in Bhutan, according to UNESCO's Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger.

Lhotshamkha is the language spoken by the Lhotshampa people, who are of Nepalese origin and reside primarily in the southern regions of Bhutan.

Sharchopkha is the language spoken by the Sharchop people, who are an ethnic group inhabiting the eastern regions of Bhutan.

Bumthangkha is the language spoken in the Bumthang Valley, which is located in the central region of Bhutan.

Language shift, which occurs when speakers of a language adopt another language, is the primary factor contributing to the endangerment of languages in Bhutan.

The Dzongkha Development Commission is the government agency responsible for promoting and preserving the national language of Bhutan.

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is actively involved in efforts to revitalize endangered languages worldwide.

The Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger is a UNESCO program that aims to safeguard endangered languages by providing information on their status and promoting their revitalization.

Brokkat is the endangered language spoken by the Brokpa people, who are nomadic herders living in the northern regions of Bhutan.

Lepcha is the endangered language spoken by the Lepcha people, an indigenous community residing in the eastern regions of Bhutan.

Ngalopkha is the endangered language spoken by the Ngalop people, who are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants and reside primarily in the western and central regions of Bhutan.

Tshangla is the endangered language spoken by the Tshangla people, who are an ethnic group inhabiting the eastern regions of Bhutan.

Ura is the endangered language spoken by the Ura people, who are an indigenous community residing in the central regions of Bhutan.

Yakha is the endangered language spoken by the Yakha people, who are an ethnic group living in the eastern regions of Bhutan.