# Hmar language

The Hmar language (Khawsak Țawng) belongs to the Mizo language branch of the Sino-Tibetan family of languages. The speakers of this language use Mizo language as their second language (L2).
Hmar is a recognised language in the School curriculum of Assam, Manipur and Mizoram, and also recently recognised as one of the Modern Indian Language (MIL) at Manipur University. Board of Secondary Education, Assam has also included Hmar as an MIL in its matriculation syllabus from 2005. Both Manipur University and Assam University, Silchar has also permitted Khawsak Hmar language to be studied as Modern Indian Language in the Graduation level.

## Hawrawp (Alphabets)

The Hmar alphabets, known as Hmar Hawrawp has 25 letters: 6 vowels and 19 consonants. It is a modified version of the Roman script with some diacritic marks to help pronounce the dialect.
Hmar Hawrawp :
| A | Aw | B | Ch | D | E | F | G | Ng | H |
| I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S |
| T | Ț | U | V | Z |

### Pronunciation

| Alphabets | As In |
| a | "aa" of father |
| aw | "aww" of omnipotent or awkward |
| b | bee |
| ch | chaw |
| d | dee |
| e | ee |
| f | eff |
| g | "ek" of acknowledge |
| ng | "ang" of angst |
| h | eich |
| i | eye |
| j | jay |
| k | kay |
| l | el or elle |
| m | em |
| n | "en" of end |
| o | "ou" of ouch |
| p | pee |
| r | are |
| s | ess |
| t | tee |
| ṭ | tree |
| u | ooh |
| v | vee |
| z | zet |

## Geographical distribution

Khawsak dialect of Hmar is spoken in the following locations
* Assam: Dima Hasao district, Karbi Anglong district, Hailakandi district, Karimganj district and Cachar district
* Manipur: Pherzawl district, Churachandpur district, Jiribam district and Moreh
* Mizoram: Aizawl district, Champhai district and Kolasib district
* Tripura: In and around Darchawi and Jampui Hills
* Meghalaya: Shillong and Khaddum village
* Myanmar: Tamu
* Bangladesh: Bawm
Since Hmar speakers are scattered over a vast area in Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Chittagong Hill tracts, and Cachar district of Assam state and Myanmar, there appears to be slight dialectal distinction. In Manipur, Hmar exhibits partial mutual intelligibility with the other Kukish dialects of the area including Thadou, Paite, Aimol, Vaiphei, Simte, Kom and Gangte languages.

## Ṭawngkasuok

Ṭawngkasuok (Trong-ka-sook) are adages or old sayings used by the Hmar people and literally translates to "languages spoken out of the mouth."
| Hmar Saying | Contextual Translation | Explanation |
| A chângin hmar thing a pâr a, a chângin sim thing a pâr | "Sometimes the northern tree blooms, sometimes the southern tree blooms" | Everything has its time; patience is key. |
| Ṭawng inbuo le tui inbuo rût thei an nawh | "Words and water, once spilled, cannot be taken back." | Speak wisely; words have lasting consequences. |
| Lal ngai lo lal a kha | "A king who has never been a king rules bitterly." | This is a negative remark used to describe someone in power, implying they are unworthy or corrupt despite holding authority. While culturally resonant, its broader applicability may vary. |
| Pân lovah tho a fu ngai nawh | "A fly will never land on something other than an open wound." | This implies that misfortune or trouble often attracts blame or negativity, suggesting that there’s always a cause but with an accusatory undertone. |
| Khûpin lû a khêl thei nawh | "The knee can never rise above the head " | This is a negative quote implying there are inherent limitations in life, suggesting that no matter how hard one strives, they will never exceed their rightful or designated place. It reflects a fatalistic view, where ambition and effort are constrained by unchangeable boundaries. |