Seke, a Tibeto-Burman language, is spoken by roughly 700 people globally, with over 100 speakers residing in New York City. A significant portion of these speakers live in a single apartment building in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood. The Seke community in Brooklyn primarily consists of immigrants from five villages in Nepal.
These immigrants, many of whom were formerly apple growers, migrated due to challenging climate conditions. They now work in various professions, including manicurists, construction workers, and cooks. Their apartments are adorned with traditional elements, creating a familiar atmosphere.
Rasmina Gurung, a 21-year-old nurse, is among the youngest fluent Seke speakers. She is actively involved in compiling a Seke-English dictionary to aid in language preservation. The Endangered Language Alliance (ELA) has identified Seke as one of the endangered languages in the city.
The New York City Council launched the Community Interpreter Bank in January 2025 to support diverse populations. However, the Seke language faces challenges as younger generations prefer other languages. Gurung fears the language may vanish within a decade.
The situation of Seke highlights the broader issue of language endangerment among immigrant communities. Organizations like the ELA and initiatives such as the Community Interpreter Bank are crucial in supporting these communities and preserving linguistic diversity.