Hruso (Aka) Language

Hruso [hru], also known as Aka or Hruso Aka, is an unclassified language of the Tibeto-Burman phylum spoken primarily in West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The language shows certain affinities with Miji, as well as the poorly known Bangru or Levai, together with which it might form a subgroup within Tibeto-Burman, constituting the Hrusish family. The Hruso Aka language has an unusual phonological structure with many initial consonant clusters or complex onsets, but mainly open syllables. To some degree tone appears to be relevant to the structure of Hruso Aka, but virtually all details of the grammar and phonology require more study before definitive statements can be offered. The morphological structure of Hruso Aka appears to be relatively simple, but it is possible that a more thorough investigation will reveal further complexities. The total number of speakers is between 4,000 and 6,000 most likely. Living Tongues Institute has worked with speakers of Hruso Aka since 2008, having made three visits to the community since that time. A brief sample is offered here, but more examples can be found in the Koro Aka documentation project page, where Hruso Aka (and Miji) data are offered in comparison with Koro Aka. As a result of our surveys, we can report that while Hruso Aka remains vital in certain communities, it is undergoing shift to Hindi in others, and thus Hruso Aka must too be reckoned among the endangered languages of Arunachal Pradesh. Many Hruso Aka people have served as consultants in this documentation, but Khandu Degio deserves special mention for his contributions.

Anil Sangchozu, primary Miji consultant
Photo by David Harrison/Chris Rainier

Street in Thrizino village
Photo by David Harrison/Chris Rainier