03-02-203
203
NG
GROUP.
WESTERN SUB-GROUP.
This sub-group includes the Angmi, Sem
, Rengm
, and Kezh
m
languages, and occupies the southern portion of the N
ga Hills district.
The speakers of this group are estimated to number as follows:-
Ang![]() |
35,410
|
Sem![]() |
26,400
|
Rengm![]() |
5,500
|
Kezh![]() ![]() |
1,620
|
TOTAL.
|
68,930
|
Very little is known about the languages of these tribes except that of the
Angmi, who have been fully described by various writers. The languages of
the other three are now described for the first time, except that vocabularies
of Sem
and Rengm
have been published.
The distinguishing feature of the languages of this group, as compared with the Central Sub-group, is that in the latter the negative precedes, while in the former it follows, the word which is negatived. The two groups also differ widely in vocabulary, but they clearly have a common origin, as has been shown by Mr. Davis in his notes printed on the preceding pages and in the introduction to the Central Sub-group.
I take this opportunity
of expressing my gratitude to Mr. A. W. Davis, I.C.S., admittedly the best authority
on the subject, for permission to make free extracts from his writings and for
his being kind enough to read through the proofs of the section of the Survey
dealing with the N
g
languages. To the latter he has added many most valuable notes and corrections.
2D2