Lyngngam language

{{short description|Language of Northeast India}}

{{Infobox language

|name=Lyngngam

|altname=Lyngam

|region=Meghalaya, Assam

|states=India

|speakers=11,586

|date=2011 census

|ref={{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language_MTs.html|title=Statement 1: Abstract of speakers' strength of languages and mother tongues - 2011|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=2018-07-07}}

|familycolor=Austroasiatic

|fam2 = Khasi-Palaungic

|fam3 = Khasic

|fam4 = Khasi-Pnar-Lyngngam

|iso3=lyg

|glotto=lyng1241

|glottorefname=India Lyngam

}}

Lyngngam is an Austroasiatic language of Northeast India closely related to Khasic languages. Once listed as a dialect of Khasi, Lyngngam has in recent literature been classified as a distinct language and believed to be former Garo speakers. Lyngngam speakers have food and dress similar to the neighboring Garo people. Garos consider Lyngngam ancestors to belong to the Garo Megam tribe, from which the Lyngam tribe emerged. Garo Megam tribe is also referred by name, Chisak Megam. Lyngngam Male Traditional dance outfits and customs are similar to that of Garo Tribe. As per Garo Oral Traditions Megam/Lyngngam people are said to be part of Garo Tribe.