Nov 23, 2009

China Pictures -

 
16th edition
US$ 100.00

Preview print edition

Most Recent
SIL Publications
Reduced Price SIL Publications

Ethnologue > Web version > Country index > Asia > China Languages of China See language maps.
[See also SIL publications on the languages of China.] People’s Republic of China, Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo. 1,312,979,000. 55 official minority nationalities total 123,330,000 or 9% of the population (2005). Han Chinese 1,182,950,000 or 91% (2005). National or official languages: Mandarin Chinese, regional languages: Daur, Kalmyk-Oirat, Lu, Peripheral Mongolian, Central Tibetan, Uyghur, Xibe. Literacy rate: 91% (2003). Immigrant languages: American Sign Language, Central Khmer (1,000), Parsi (5,000), Portuguese (8,980). Information mainly from J. Dreyer 1976; J. Evans 1999; J. Janhunen 1989, 2003; J. Matisoff, S. Baron and J. Lowe 1996; Ostapirat 2000; J-O Svantesson 1989, 1995, 2003; S. Wurm, B. T’sou, D. Bradley, Li Rong, Xiong Zhenghui, Zhang Zehnxing, Fu Maoji, Wang Jun and Dob 1987. Blind population: 2,000,000. Deaf population: 20,040,000 (China Disabled Persons’ Federation 2006). Deaf institutions: There are 550 schools for the deaf in addition to 683 special education schools in mainland China, some of which have classes for the deaf. The number of individual languages listed for China is 293. Of those, 292 are living languages and 1 has no known speakers.
Achang

[acn] 27,700 in China (1990 census). Population total all countries: 62,700. Ethnic population: 33,936 (2000 census). Dehong Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture and Baoshan District, western Yunnan Province, along the Myanmar border, Longchuan, Liangge, and Luxi counties; Baoshan Prefecture, Tengchong and Longling counties; Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunlong County. Also in Myanmar. Alternate names: Acang, Ach’ang, Achung, Ahchan, Atsang, Maingtha, Mönghsa, Ngac’ang, Ngacang, Ngachang, Ngatsang, Ngo Chang, Ngochang.  Dialects: Longchuan, Lianghe, Luxi. Each of the 3 main counties has a distinctive dialect. Dialects reportedly not mutually inherently intelligible. Longchuan differs more from the others, with more Dai loanwords. Lianghe and Luxi use many Chinese loanwords. There are also Burmese loanwords. Related to Hpon [hpo], Maru [mhx], Lashi [lsi], Zaiwa [atb].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern 
More information.

Ache

[yif] 35,000 (2003). Yunnan Province, Shuangbai, Yimen, Eshan, and Lufeng counties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish 
More information.

Ai-Cham

[aih] 2,700 (2000). Qiannan Buyi-Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southern Guizhou Province, Libo County, Di’e and Boyao townships. 13 villages. Alternate names: Atsam, Jiamuhua, Jin, Jinhua.  Dialects: Di’e, Boyao. Dialects have phonological differences, but are largely mutually intelligible. Similar to Mak [mkg].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Ainu

[aib] 6,570 (2000). Southwest Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Hetian, Luopu, Moyu, Shache, Yingjisha, and Shulekuche counties; Kashgar area, Yengixar (Shule) town, Hanalik and Paynap villages, and Gewoz village near Hoban. Alternate names: Abdal, Aini, Aynu.  Dialects: Has the same grammar as Uyghur [uig] but much Persian [pes] vocabulary. Some consider it a dialect of Uyghur [uig], others an Iranian language heavily influenced by Uyghur. The government classifies them as Uyghur nationality.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Eastern 
More information.

Akeu

[aeu] 10,000 in China (2007), increasing. Population total all countries: 12,400. South Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, most villages in Jinhong County, some in Mengla County. Also in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand. Alternate names: Aki, Akui.  Dialects: Similar to Akha [ahk].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Lolo, Southern 
More information.

Akha

[ahk] 240,000 in China (Bradley 2007), increasing. Ethnic population: 240,000 (Bradley 2007). Southwest Yunnan, Xishuangbanna and Simao prefectures. Alternate names: Ahka, Aini, Ak’a, Aka, Ekaw, Ikaw, Ikor, Kaw, Kha Ko, Khako, Khao Kha Ko, Ko, Yani.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Alugu

[aub] 3,500 (2007), increasing. Yunnan Province, Yuanyang County, Fengchunling District across the Honghe River; Gejiu County, Manhao District. Alternate names: Phula, Muji, Phupha.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Aluo

[yna] 25,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, north Wuding, Luquan, Yuanmou counties; Sichuan Province, Huili, Miyi counties. Alternate names: Laka, Gan Yi, Yala, Lila, Niluo.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Awa

[vwa] 98,000 (Zhou and Yan 2004). Masan Dialect: 33,000 in Ximeng County; Xiyun Dialect: 2,200 in Lancang and Menglian counties; Dawangnuo Dialect: 30,000 in Menglian and Ximeng counties; Awalei Dialect: 2,200 in Ximeng County; Awa proper: 30,600 In Lancan County. Southwest Yunnan Province, Simao Prefecture: Ximeng Va, Menglian Dai, Lahu and Va, and Lancang Lahu autonomous counties. Alternate names: Awa Wa, Ava, Va.  Dialects: Masan (’A Vo’, Ro via’, La via’, Vo’), Xiyun (Va’, Shixi), Dawangnuo (Damangnuo, Vo’, Wangnuo, Mangnuo), Awalei (’A vo’ loi, Awalai). Closely related languages: Wa [wbm], Parauk [prk], Blang [blr].  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern, Waic 
More information.

Awu

[yiu] 20,000 (2002). Yunnan Province, primarily north Honghe Prefecture, Mile and Luxi counties; south Qujing Prefecture, Shizong and Luoping counties. Alternate names: Luowu, Luwu.  Dialects: Northern Awu, Southern Awu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Axi

[yix] 100,000 (Bradley 2007), decreasing. Southeast Yunnan Province, Mile and Luxi counties. Shilin County, 1 village. Alternate names: Ahi, Axibo, Axipo.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Ayi

[ayx] 2,200 (2004). Northwest Yunnan, Nujiang Nu-Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Fugong and Gongshan counties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Unclassified 
More information.

Ayizi

[yyz] 50 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, Beidacun District, Aimalong village; Shilin County, Beidacun and Banqiao districts. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern  Nearly extinct.
More information.

Azha

[aza] 53,000 (2007). Yunnan Province, primarily along the border between Wenshan and Yanshan counties. Alternate names: Aji, Ajiwa, A’ndze, A’ntsaozo, Azan, Nimitso, Phuphje, Phula, Hua Phula, Hua Yi, Shaoji Phula, Sifter Basket Phula, Hei Phula, Black Phula, Niuweiba Phula, Cowtail Phula, Jin Phula, Golden Phula, Han Phula.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Azhe

[yiz] 54,000 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 60,000. Yunnan Province, Mile County: Xun Jian, Wushan, Jiangbian districts; Huaning County, Panxi District; north Kaiyuan County, Xiaolongtan District, Xiaolongtan Community; Lebaidao District, Jiedian Community; Mazheshao District, Chongzi Community; northeast Jianshui County, 1 village. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Bai, Central

[bca] 800,000 (2003). Northwest Yunnan, Jianchuan, Heqing, Lanping, Eryuan, and Yunlong. Alternate names: Labbu, Leme, Minchia, Minjia, Minkia, Nama, Pai.  Dialects: Jianchuan, Heqing, Lanping, Eryuan, Yunlong.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Bai 
More information.

Bai, Northern

[bfc] 40,000 (2003). Northwest Yunnan, Nujiang, and Lanping. Alternate names: Bijang Bai.  Dialects: Nujiang, Lanping.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Bai 
More information.

Bai, Southern

[bfs] 400,000 (2003). Northwest Yunnan, Dali, and Xiangyun provinces. Dialects: Dali, Xiangyun.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Bai 
More information.

Baima

[bqh] 11,000 (EDCL 1991). Older adults and a few middle aged are monolingual. Ethnic population: 11,000. North-central Sichuan Province, Pingwu, Nanping, and Songpan counties; Gansu Province, Wen County. Alternate names: Bai Ma, Pe.  Dialects: Southern Baima (Pingwu Baima), Northern Baima (Wen Baima), Western Baima (Nanping Baima).  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Unclassified 
More information.

Biao

[byk] 80,000 (1985 L. Min). 10,000 women and small children are monolingual. Ethnic population: 120,000. Guangdong Province, southwest corner of Huaiji County (Shidong, Yonggu, Dagang, Liangcun, and Qiaotou districts); Fengkai County, Chang’an, Jinzhuang and Qixing districts, several villages. Alternate names: Kang Bau, Kang Beu.  Dialects: Minor dialect differences, but all mutually intelligible.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Biao Mon

[bmt] 20,000 (Wang and Mao 1995). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Mengshan, Zhaoping, Pingle, Lipu, and Gongcheng counties. Alternate names: Biao Mien, Biaoman, Changping, Min Yao, Sida Min Yao.  Dialects: Biao Mon (Min Yao), Shi Mun (Sida Min Yao). May be intelligible with some dialects of Iu Mien [ium]. Quite different from and unintelligible with Biao Jiao Mien [bje] or its dialect Biaomin, also called ‘Biao Mien’.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin 
More information.

Biao-Jiao Mien

[bje] 43,000 (Wang and Mao 1995). Northeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Quanzhou, Guanyang, and Gongcheng Yao autonomous counties; south Hunan Province, Shuangpai, and Daoxian counties. Alternate names: Biao Chao, Byau Min.  Dialects: Biao Min (Biaomin, Biao Mien, Dongshan Yao), Jiaogong Mian (Chao Kong Meng, Shikou). Dialects reportedly mutually unintelligible. Quite different from and unintelligible with Biao Mon [bmt] (Biaoman). Lexical similarity: 70% with Iu Mien [ium], 67% with Kim Mun [mji], 58% with Dzao Min [bpn].  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Biao-Jiao 
More information.

Bisu

[bzi] 240 in China (Xu 2005). No monolinguals. Population total all countries: 1,240. Ethnic population: 240. Southwest Yunan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Menghai County, Mengzhe village; Simao Prefecture, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Zhutang, Laba, Donglang, and Fubang villages; Meglian Dai, Lahu, and Va autonomous counties, Jingxin, Fuyan, and Nanya villages; parts of Ximeng Va Autonomous County. Possibly also in Laos. Also in Myanmar, Thailand. Alternate names: Misu, Mibisu, Mbi, Laopin, Lawa, Lua, Pin.  Dialects: Lanmeng, Huaipa, Dakao. Similar to Mpi [mpz], Pyen [pyy], Phunoi [pho]. Some dialect differences based on Dai [dij] versus Lahu [lhu] loanwords. Lexical similarity: 36% with Hani [hni], 32% with Lahu, 31% with Lisu [lis].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Biyo

[byo] 120,000 (Bradley 1997). Yunnan Province, southeast Simao Prefecture, Mojiang, Jiangcheng, Zhenyuan, Jingdong counties. Alternate names: Bio, Biyue, Piyo.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Blang

[blr] 42,000 in China (2000 census). Population total all countries: 55,200. Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Menghai County, Bulangshan, Bada, Xiding, Daluo districts; Jinghong County, Damengnong District. Also in Myanmar, Thailand. Alternate names: Bulang, K’ala, Kawa, Kontoi, Plang, Pula, Pulang.  Dialects: Phang, Kem Degne. In Thailand, the group from Mae Sai came from Sipsongpanna, Yunnan, China, stayed in Myanmar for a while, and have been in Thailand since 1974. 6 to 10 dialects represented in one refugee village in Thailand. Samtao [stu] of Myanmar and China is not intelligible with Blang, but is closely related to Blang and Wa [wbm].  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Waic, Bulang 
More information.

Bokha

[ybk] 10,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, central Pingbian, east Jinping, and western Hekou counties. Alternate names: Bokho, Hei Muji, Black Muji, Hua Phula, Flowery Phula, Aphu, Akapa, Lao Phula, Pao Tle.  Dialects: Similar to Phuma [ypm].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Bolyu

[ply] 10,000 (1993). Far west Guangxi on the Guizhou and Yunnan borders, Xilin and Longlin counties, in 2 groups. Possibly in Yunnan. Alternate names: Baliu, Lai, Lailai, Paliu, Palju, Palyu, Polyu.  Dialects: May be similar to Bugan [bbh], which is the nearest Mon-Khmer language geographically.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Palyu 
More information.

Bonan

[peh] 6,000 (1999 Junast). Ethnic population: 24,500, including 16,500 Jishishan and 8000 Tongren. Southwest Gansu Province, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Jishishan Bao’an-Dongxiang-Sala Autonomous County; east Qinghai Province, Bonan-speaking Tu in Tongren. Alternate names: Bao’an, Baonan, Boan, Paoan, Paongan.  Dialects: Jishishan (Dahejia, Dajiahe, Dakheczjha), Tongren (Tungyen). Jishishan subdialects are Ganhetan and Dadun; Tongren subdialects are Nianduhu, Guomari, Gajiuri, and Lower Bao’an village. Jishishan dialect has been influenced by Mandarin Chinese [cmn], Tongren by Tibetan [bod]. There are phonological and grammatical differences between them, and inherent intelligibility may be low.  Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Mongour 
More information.

Bouyei

[pcc] 2,600,000 in China (2000 census). Population total all countries: 2,649,205. Ethnic population: 2,945,000. Guizhou-Yunnan plateau, mainly Buyi-Miao and Miao-Dong autonomous prefectures, Zhenning and Guanling counties, south and southwest Guizhou; Yunnan Province, Luoping County; Sichuan Province, Ningnan and Huidong counties. Also in France, United States, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Bo-I, Bui, Buyei, Buyi, Buyui, Chung-Chia, Dioi, Giay, Pu-I, Pu-Jui, Pui, Pujai, Puyi, Puyoi, Shuihu, Tujia, Zhongjia.  Dialects: Qiannan (Southern Guizhou, Bouyei 1), Qianzhong (Central Guizhou, Bouyei 2), Qianxi (Western Guizhou, Bouyei 3).  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Bugan

[bbh] 2,700 (2002 L. Jinfang). Southeast Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guangnan and Xichou counties, South Guangnan Nasa Township, 4 Bugan villages: Laowalong, Xinwalong, Xinpingzhai and Nala; Guangnan County, Zhuanjiao District, 2 Bugan villages: Jiuping, Shibeipo; Northern Yanshan County, Jijie District, Manlong and 6 other villages. Alternate names: Bengan, Bogan, Hualo, Huazu, Pukan.  Dialects: Very minor accent differences between villages.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Palyu 
More information.

Bunu, Bu-Nao

[bwx] 258,000 (McConnell 1995). 97,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 439,000 (1982 census). 100,000 ethnic Bunu speak a Northern Zhuang language as L1. West Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, counties: Du’an, Bama, Dahua, Lingyun, Nandan, Tiandong, Tianyang, Pingguo, Fengshan, Donglan, Hechi, Mashan, Bose, Tianlin, Leye, Tiandeng, Xincheng, Shanglin, Long’an, Debao, Laibin, Luocheng counties; Guizhou Province, Libo County; Yunnan Province, Funing County. Alternate names: Bunao, Po-Nau, Punu.  Dialects: Dongnu (Tung Nu), Nunu, Bunuo (Pu No), Naogelao (Nao Klao), Numao (Nu Mhou, Hong Yao), Cingsui Longlin, Hontou Longlin. The dialects listed may be 5 languages (D. Strecker 1987), communication is difficult (McConnell 1995).  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Bunu 
More information.

Bunu, Jiongnai

[pnu] 1,080 (1999 M. Zongwu). 269 monolinguals. East Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County. Alternate names: Hualan Yao, Jiongnai, Jiongnaihua, Kiong Nai, Punu, Qiungnai.  Dialects: Very different from and unintelligible to surrounding Yao and other Bunu speakers. Lexical similarity: 52% with Bu-Nao Bunu [bwx].  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Bunu 
More information.

Bunu, Wunai

[bwn] 18,400 (McConnell 1995). West Hunan Province, Longhui, Xupu, Tongdao, Chenxi, Dongkou, Cengbu, and Xinning counties. Alternate names: Hm Nai, Ngnai, Punu, Wunai.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Bunu 
More information.

Bunu, Younuo

[buh] 9,720 (McConnell 1995). Northeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Xing’an and Longsheng counties. Alternate names: Pu No, Punu, Younuo, Yuno, Yunuo.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Bunu 
More information.

Buriat, China

[bxu] 65,000 (1982 census). 47,000 New Bargu, 14,000 Old Bargu, 4,500 Buriat. Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hulun-Buyr District, near Russia (Siberia) and Mongolia borders. Alternate names: Ba’erhu-Buliyate, Bargu Buriat, Buriat-Mongolian, Buryat, Northeastern Mongolian, Northern Mongolian.  Dialects: New Bargu (Xin Ba’erhu), Old Bargu (Chen Ba’erhu), Buriat (Buliyate, Buryat), Khori, Aga. Differs from Buriat of Mongolia [bxm] and the Russian Federation [bxr] due to influences of other languages.  Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Oirat-Khalkha, Khalkha-Buriat, Buriat 
More information.

Buxinhua

[bgk] 200 in China (1994). Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Mengla County. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Khao 
More information.

Buyang E’ma

[yzg] 300 (1995). Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang-Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Funing County, Gula Township, Langjia and Nianlang villages. Alternate names: Langjia Buyang, Buyang Zhuang, Eastern Buyang, Funing Buyang, Buozaang.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kadai, Yang-Biao, Buyang, Eastern 
More information.

Buyang, Baha

[yha] 600 (2007). Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang-Miao Autonomous Prefecture, northern Guangnan County, Dixu District, Yanglian village; Bada District, Anshe village. Alternate names: Western Buyang, Guangnan Buyang, Buyang Zhuang, Buyang.  Dialects: Yalang, Ecun, Langjia. Similar to Langnian [yln] and E’ma Buyang [yzg].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kadai, Yang-Biao, Buyang, Western 
More information.

Buyang, Langnian

[yln] 300 (1995). Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang-Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Funing County, Gula Township, Langjia and Nianlang villages. Alternate names: Langjia Buyang, Buyang Zhuang, Eastern Buyang, Funing Buyang, Buozaang.  Dialects: Similar to E’ma Buyang [yzg].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kadai, Yang-Biao, Buyang, Eastern 
More information.

Cao Miao

[cov] 63,600 (2000). Southeast Guizhou Province, Liping County; southwest Hunan Province, Tongdao Dong Autonomous County; northeast Guangxi, Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, near South Dong, small villages. Alternate names: Grass Miao, Mjiuniang, Sanjiang Miao.  Dialects: Similar to Northern Dong [doc] and sometimes referred to as a special dialect of Dong.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Chadong

[cdy] 20,000 (2007). Northeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Lingui County, Guilin Muncipality; Chadong District (most villages), Liangjiang Township; Yongfu County, Longjiang District. Alternate names: Chadonghua, Chadongyu, Cha Dong.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Chepya

[ycp] 2,000 in China (2007). Southern Yunnan Province. Also in Laos. Dialects: Related to Akeu [aeu].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Chesu

[ych] 3,300 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, northwest Xinping, southeast Shuangbai, and southwest Eshan counties. Dialects: Related to Samtao [stu].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Chinese

[zho] A macrolanguage.  Population total all countries: 1,212,515,844. 
More information.

Chinese Sign Language

[csl] Ethnic population: 20,040,000 deaf persons in China (2006 CDRF). Also in Malaysia (Peninsular), Taiwan. Alternate names: Zhongguo Shouyu.  Dialects: Shanghai Sign Language. Several dialects, of which Shanghai is most influential. Few signs of foreign origin.  Classification: Deaf sign language 
More information.

Chinese, Gan

[gan] 20,600,000 (1984). Jiangxi and southeast corner of Hubei including Dachi, Xianning, Jiayu, Chongyang, and parts of Anhui, Hunan, and Fujian provinces. Chang-Jing in Nanchang City, Xiuhui, and Jing’an; Yi-Liu in Yichun (Ichun) in Jiangxi, Liuyang in Hunan. Alternate names: Gan, Kan.  Dialects: Chang-Jing, Yi-Liu, Ji-Cha, Fu-Guang, Ying-Yi. Marginally intelligible with Mandarin [cmn] and Wu [wuu] Chinese.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Hakka

[hak] 25,700,000 in China (1984). Population total all countries: 30,032,520. Widespread with other dialects. Eastern and northeastern Guangdong greatest concentration; also in Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Hunan, and Sichuan. Also in Brunei, Canada, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Indonesia (Java and Bali), Malaysia (Peninsular), Mauritius, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States. Alternate names: Hakka, Hokka, Ke, Kechia, Kejia, Majiahua, Tu Guangdonghua, Xinminhua.  Dialects: Yue-Tai (Meixian, Raoping, Taiwan Kejia), Yuezhong (Central Guangdong), Huizhou, Yuebei (Northern Guangdong), Tingzhou (Min-Ke), Ning-Long (Longnan), Yugui, Tonggu. Yue-Tai is standard dialect.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Huizhou

[czh] 4,600,000 (2000 census). Jixi dialect: 988,000; Xiuyi dialect: 861,000; Qide dialect 798,000, Yanzhou dialect 638,000, Jingzhan dialect 134,000. South Anhui Province, Huizhou region and Jixi, She (Xi), Ningguo, Jingde, Tunxi, Xiuning, Yi, Qimen and Dongzhi counties; northern Zhejiang Province, Chun’an County, Jiande municipality; northeast Jiangxi Province, Wuyuan, Dexing and Fuliang counties. Alternate names: Huizhou.  Dialects: Jixi, Xiuyi, Qide, Yanzhou, Jingzhan. Formerly considered part of Jianghuai dialect of Mandarin Chinese [cmn], but now considered by many a separate major dialect of Chinese. Dialects reportedly differ greatly from each other. Different from Huizhou dialect of Hakka Chinese [hak].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Jinyu

[cjy] 45,000,000 (1995). Mainly in Shanxi Province; some in Shaanxi and Henan provinces. Alternate names: Jinyu.  Dialects: Formerly considered part of Xibei Guanhua dialect of Mandarin Chinese [cmn], but now considered by many a separate major dialect of Chinese. Unlike Mandarin, it has contrastive glottal-checked syllables and other distinctive features.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Mandarin

[cmn] 840,000,000 in China (2000 census), increasing. 70% of Chinese language users speak a Mandarin dialect as their mother tongue, including 9,816,805 Hui (2000 census) and 10,682,262 Manchu. 1,182,950,000 Han in China (2005 census). Population total all countries: 845,456,760. Widespread north of Changjiang River, a belt south of the Changjiang from Qiujiang (Jiangxi) to Zhenjiang (Jiangsu), Hubei, except southeast corner, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, northwest part of Guangxi, and northwest corner of Hunan. Also in Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Indonesia (Java and Bali), Laos, Libya, Malaysia (Peninsular), Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Philippines, Russian Federation (Asia), Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam, Zambia. Alternate names: Beifang Fangyan, Guanhua, Guoyu, Hanyu, Mandarin, Northern Chinese, Putonghua, Standard Chinese.  Dialects: Huabei Guanhua (Northern Mandarin), Xibei Guanhua (Northwestern Mandarin), Xinan Guanhua (Southwestern Mandarin), Jinghuai Guanhua (Jiangxia Guanhua, Lower Yangze Mandarin). Wenli is a literary form. Written Chinese is based on the Beijing dialect, but heavily influenced by other varieties of Northern Mandarin. Putonghua is the official form taught in schools and is inherently intelligible with Beijing dialect and other Mandarin varieties in the northeast. Mandarin varieties in the Lower Plateau in Shaanxi are not readily intelligible with Putonghua. Mandarin varieties of Guilin and Kunming unintelligible to Putonghua speakers. Taibei Mandarin and Beijing Mandarin are fully mutually inherently intelligible. Nearly all L1 speakers in Taiwan speak with Min-influenced grammar and various degrees of Min-influenced pronunciation. Many educated strive to cultivate standard pronunciation. Grammatical differences of the Taiwan variety often appear in writing.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Min Bei

[mnp] 10,300,000 in China (1984). Population total all countries: 10,304,000. North Fujian Province, 7 counties around Jian’ou. Also in Singapore. Alternate names: Min Pei, Northern Min.  Dialects: The Chinese now divide Chinese Min into 5 major varieties: Min Nan [nan], Min Bei [mnp], Min Dong [cdo], Min Zhong [czo], and Pu-Xian [cpx]. Others say there are at least 9 varieties which are inherently mutually unintelligible.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Min Dong

[cdo] 8,820,000 in China (2000). Population total all countries: 9,134,060. Fujian, Fu’an in northeast to Fuzhou in east central. Also in Brunei, Indonesia (Java and Bali), Malaysia (Peninsular), Singapore, Thailand, United States. Alternate names: Eastern Min.  Dialects: Fuzhou (Fuchow, Foochow, Guxhou). The prestige dialect is spoken in Fujian.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Min Nan

[nan] 25,700,000 in China (1984). 2.5% of the population, including 1,000,000 Xiamen dialect (1988 census), 6,000,000 Quanzhou dialect (Quanzhoushi Fangyan Zhi). Population total all countries: 47,265,100. South Fujian, Guangdong, south Hainan Island, south Zhejiang, south Jiangxi provinces. Xiamen in south Fujian, Jiangxi, and Taiwan; Hainan in Hainan; Leizhou on Leizhou peninsula of southwest Guangdong; Chao-Shan in far east corner of Guangdong in Chaozhou-Shantou area; Longdu is a dialect island around Zhongshan City and Shaxi in Guangdong south of Guangzhou; Zhenan Min in southeast Zhejiang Province around Pingyang and Cangnan and on Zhoushan archipelago of northeast Zhejiang. Also in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia (Java and Bali), Malaysia (Peninsular), Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United States. Alternate names: Minnan, Southern Min.  Dialects: Xiamen (Amoy), Leizhou (Lei Hua, Li Hua), Chao-Shan (Choushan, Chaozhou), Hainan (Hainanese, Qiongwen Hua, Wenchang), Longdu, Zhenan Min. Xiamen has subdialects Amoy, Fujian (Fukien, Hokkian, Taiwanese). Amoy is the prestige dialect. Amoy and Taiwanese are easily mutually intelligible. Chao-Shan subdialects: Chaoshou (Chaochow, Chaochow, Teochow, Teochew), Shantou (Swatow). Chao-Shan, including Swatow, has very difficult intelligibility with Amoy; Sanjiang somewhat difficult for other dialect speakers; Hainan quite different from other dialects; Min Nan most widely distributed and influential Min variety. 2 subdialects in Taiwan: Sanso and Chaenzo. Most Min Nan speakers in Thailand use Chaoshou dialect.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Min Zhong

[czo] 3,100,000 (2000 census). Central Fujian Province, Sha County, Yong’an and Sanming municipalities. Alternate names: Central Min.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Pu-Xian

[cpx] 2,520,000 in China (2000). Population total all countries: 2,558,800. East central Fujian Province, Putian and Xianyou counties. Also in Malaysia (Peninsular), Singapore. Dialects: Putian (Putten, Xinghua, Hinghua, Henghua, Hsinghua), Xianyou (Hsienyu).  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Wu

[wuu] 77,200,000 in China (1984). Population total all countries: 77,201,820. Jiangsu south of Changjiang River, east of Zhenjiang, on Chongming Island, mouth of the Changjiang, and north of the Changjiang in the area around Nantong, Haimen, Qidong, and Qingjiang; Zhejiang Province south to Quzhou, Jinhua, and Wenzhou. Also in United States. Alternate names: Wu.  Dialects: Taihu, Jinhua (Kinhwa), Taizhou, Oujiang, Wuzhou, Chuqu, Xuanzhou, Shanghai. Varieties of Taihu dialect are Piling, Su-Hu-Jia, Tiaoxi, Hangzhou, Lin-Shao, Yongjiang; Chuqu subdialects are Chuzhou, Longqu; Xuanzhou varieties are Tongjing, Taigao, Shiling.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Xiang

[hsn] 36,000,000 in China (1984). Population total all countries: 36,024,400. Hunan Province, Sichuan Province, over 20 counties; parts of Guangxi and Guangdong provinces. Also in United States. Alternate names: Hsiang, Hunan, Hunanese, Xiang.  Dialects: Changyi, Luoshao, Jishu. Linguistically between Mandarin and Wu [wuu] Chinese and marginally intelligible with them.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Chinese, Yue

[yue] 52,000,000 in China (1984). 498,000 in Macau. Population total all countries: 55,541,660. Guangdong (except Hakka speaking areas northeast, Min Nan-speaking areas east, Hainan Island); Guangxi. Hong Kong and Macau. Also in Australia, Brunei, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, Indonesia (Java and Bali), Malaysia (Peninsular), Mauritius, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Cantonese, Gwong Dung Waa, Yue, Yueh, Yuet Yue, Yueyu.  Dialects: Yuehai (Guangfu, Hong Kong Cantonese, Macau Cantonese, Shatou, Shiqi, Wancheng), Siyi (Seiyap, Taishan, Toisan, Hoisan, Schleiyip), Gaolei (Gaoyang), Qinlian, Guinan, Ping. The Guangzhou variety is considered the standard. Varieties of Yuehai are Xiangshan, spoken around Zhongshan and Shuhai, and Wanbao around Dong Guan City and Bao’an County.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese 
More information.

Choni

[cda] 154,000 (2004). South Gansu Province, east Gannan Prefecture, Lintan, Zhuoni, Diebu and Zhouqu counties. Alternate names: Chona, Chone, Cone, Jone, Zhuoni.  Dialects: Hbrugchu (Zhouqu), Thewo (Diebu).  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Northern 
More information.

Cun

[cuq] 80,000 (1999 J. Ouyang). 59% monolingual, mainly children, elders, and some women. North Dongfang County, south bank of Changhua River, north bank in Changjiang County, Hainan Island. Alternate names: Cun-Hua, Cunhua, Ngao Fon.  Dialects: Lexical similarity: 40% with Hlai [lic]. Many loanwords from Chinese.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kadai, Yang-Biao 
More information.

Darang Deng

[mhu] 850 (1999 Sun Hongkai). 750 are monolingual. Southeast Tibet Autonomous Region, Chayu (Zayü) County along Dulai River valley, Xiazayu, Qu’antong, and Gayao townships, Nyingchi Prefecture. Alternate names: Darang, Darang Dengyu, Digaro, Digaro-Mishmi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, North Assam, Tani 
More information.

Daur

[dta] 96,100 in China (1999 Y. Dong). 24,270 monolinguals. 35,000 Buteha dialect, 35,000 Qiqiha’er dialect, 15,500 Haila’er dialect, 4500 Ili dialect. Ethnic population: 132,394. Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hulun Buir League, Hailar Prefecture, Morin Dawa (Molidawa) Daur Autonomous Banner, Oroqen Autonomous Banner and Ewenki Autonomous Banner; Heilongjiang Province, Nenjiang Prefecture, Fuyu and Nehe counties; Qiqihar Prefecture, Qiqihar City; northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Tacheng Prefecture (Ili dialect). Also in Mongolia. Alternate names: Daguor, Dagur, Dawar, Dawo’er, Tahuerh, Tahur.  Dialects: Buteha (Butah, Bataxan, Nawen, Nemor, Aihui, Darbin, Mergen), Haila’er (Hailar, Nantun, Mokertu), Qiqiha’er (Qiqihar, Tsitsikhar, Jiangdong, Jingxi, Fularji), Ili. Definitely distinct from other Mongolian languages (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Some identify Haila’er dialect as a dialect of Evenki [evn].  Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Dagur 
More information.

Dong, Northern

[doc] 463,000 in China (2003). Area where west Hunan and north Guangxi provinces meet, southeast Guizhou (Yuping Autonomous County); Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 20 contiguous counties. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Gam, Kam, Tong, Tung, Tung-Chia.  Dialects: Zhanglu speech in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province is standard variety. Reportedly similar to Mulam [mlm]. Lexical similarity: 80% with Northern Dong varieties, 71% with Southern Dong [kmc], 46% with Lakkia [lbc], 29% with Qabiao [laq], 26% with Hlai [lic], 24% with Gelao [gio], 22% with Lachi [lbt], 6% with Hmong Njua [hnj], 4% with Iu Mien [ium].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Dong, Southern

[kmc] 1,000,000. 68% of 1,463,000 speak Southern Dong. Area where west Hunan and north Guangxi provinces meet, southeast Guizhou (Yuping Autonomous County); Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 20 contiguous counties. Alternate names: Gam, Kam, Tong, Tung, Tung-Chia.  Dialects: Similar to Mulam [mlm]. Lexical similarity: 93% with Southern Dong dialects, 71% with Northern Dong [doc], 46% with Lakkia [lbc], 29% with Qabiao [laq], 26% with Hlai [lic], 24% with Gelao [gio], 22% with Lachi [lbt], 6% with Hmong Djua [hnj], 4% with Iu Mien [ium].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Dongxiang

[sce] 250,000 (1999 Junast). 80,000 monolinguals. Half in the Suonanba dialect. Ethnic population: 373,872 (1990 census). Southwest Gansu Province, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, 7 counties and a city; Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Yining and Huocheng counties. Alternate names: Tung, Tunghsiang.  Dialects: Suonanba (Xiaonan), Wangjiaji, Sijiaji. Some intelligibility with Bonan [peh]. Minor dialect differences in pronunciation and borrowed words. Suonanba considered the standard.  Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Mongour 
More information.

Drung

[duu] 14,000 (2000). 95% monolingual. 8,500 in Nu River dialect, 5,500 in Dulong River dialect. Dulong River dialect in far northwest Yunnan, Gongshan Dulong-Nu Autonomous County, both sides of the Dulong River. Nu River dialect from Gongshan Dulong-Nu Autonomous County west to Chayu (Zayü) County in Tibet. Alternate names: Dulong, Qiu, Rawang, Trung, Tulung.  Dialects: Dulong River (Derung River), Nu River. Dialects reportedly inherently intelligible. Nu River Drung is not the same as Tibeto-Burman ‘Nung’ [nun], which is also in Myanmar. Different from Rawang [raw] in Myanmar. Other possible dialect names are Melam, Metu, Tamalu, Tukiumu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Nungish 
More information.

Dzao Min

[bpn] 60,000 (Wang and Mao 1995). North Guangdong Province, Liannan and Yangshan counties; south Hunan Province, Yizhang County. Alternate names: Ba Pai Yao, Yao Min, Yau Min, Zaomin.  Dialects: Not intelligible with other Mienic languages. Lexical similarity: 61% with Iu Mien [ium], 59% with Kim Mun [mji], 58% with Biao-Jiao Mien [bje].  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Zaomin 
More information.

E

[eee] 30,000 (Edmondson 1992). North Guangxi -Zhuang Autonomous Region, Rongshui Hmong Autonomous County, Yongle District, Xiatan, Simo, Xinglong (Xingyou) and other villages; Luocheng Mulam Autonomous County border areas. Alternate names: Eahua, Kjang E, “Wuse Hua” , “Wusehua”.  Classification: Mixed language 
More information.

English

[eng] 59,000 in China (1993). Mainly in Hong Kong. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English 
More information.

Enu

[enu] 30,000 (Dai and Duan 1995). Simao municipality, Mojiang County, Yayi, Baliu, and Sinanjiang townships; Jiangcheng County, Jiahe, and Qushui townships; Honghe Prefecture, Luchun County. Alternate names: Ximoluo.  Dialects: Lexical similarity: 76% with Biyo [byo] (17 % of similarities are Han loanwords that both have borrowed); 74% with Kaduo [ktp].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani, Bi-Ka 
More information.

Ersu

[ers] 20,000 (Shearer and Sun 2002). 500 monolinguals. Ersu (Eastern Ersu, 13,000), Duoxu (Central Ersu, 3000), Lizu (Western Ersu, 4000). South central Sichuan, lower reaches of the Dadu River; Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Ganluo, Yuexi, Mianning, and Muli counties; Ya’an Prefecture, Shimian and Hanyuan counties; Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Jiulong County; dispersed among Yi, Chinese, and Tibetan peoples. Alternate names: Bu’erci, Bu’erzi, Bu’erzi Ersu, Doxu, Duoxu, Erhsu, Lizu, Lusu, T’osu.  Dialects: Ersu (Eastern Ersu), Duoxu (Central Ersu), Lisu (Western Ersu, Lüzü, Liru). Menia (Menya) reportedly a dialect, but unclear relation to other dialects. Dialect differences reportedly great,with low mutual intelligibility.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Evenki

[evn] 19,000 in China (1999 D. Chaoke). 3,000 monolinguals. Huihe 14,300, Aoluguya 150, Chenba’erhu 1,600. Population total all countries: 27,615. Ethnic population: 30,500 (2000 census). Inner Mongolia: Hulunbuir banners; Ewenki, Moriadawa, Oronchon, Chen Bargu, Arong, Ergune East, and Huisuomu; Heilongjiang Province, Nale Prefecture; a few in Xinjiang. Also in Mongolia, Russian Federation (Asia), United States. Alternate names: Ewenke, Ewenki, Khamnigan, Owenke, Solon, Suolun.  Dialects: Haila’er, Aoluguya (Olguya), Chenba’erhu (Old Bargu), Morigele (Mergel), Huihe (Hoy). Huihe is the standard dialect. Significant dialect differences from the Russian Federation.  Classification: Altaic, Tungusic, Northern, Evenki 
More information.

Ge

[hmj] 60,000 (1995 F. Wang). East central Guizhou: Huangping County, Chong’an Township; Kaili Municipality, Longchang Township. Alternate names: Ge Jia, Gejia, Ge-Mong, Gho-mhon, Gedou, Gedong, Gedang, Keh Deo, Gedou Miao, Gedu, Gedoudiu.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other varieties of Miao.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Gelao

[gio] 3,000 (1999 L. Jinfang). 500 monolinguals. Qau 2000, A’ou 1500, Hagei 1700, Duoluo 1200, Tu’lu 1500. Ethnic population: 579,357 (2000 census). Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Daozhen Gelao and Miao, Wuchuan Gelao and Miao autonomous counties; southwest Guizhou Province, Anshun, and Bijie prefectures; southeast Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous District Prefecture, Maguan and Malipo counties, and those near Vietnam border; Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Baise Prefecture, Longlin PanMultiple-Nationalities Autonomous County; Hunan Province. Alternate names: Chilao, Gelo, Ilao, Kehlao, Kelao, Keleo, Khi, Klau, Klo, Lao.  Dialects: Qau (Gao, Aqao), A’ou (A’uo), Hagei (Hakei, Hakhi), Duoluo (Toluo). Dialects probably not mutually intelligible. Tu’lu is a speech form of uncertain status spoken by Baigelao (White Gelao) people in Yunnan, Wenshan Prefecture, Malipo County. Lexical similarity: 45% with Lu [khb], 40% with Dong [doc], 36% with Lachi [lbt], 32% with Qabiao [laq], 24% with Dong [doc], 22% with Lakkia [lbc], 27%–40% with Hlai [lic], 10%–15% with Hmong Djua [hnj], 5%–15% with Iu Mien [ium].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kadai, Ge-Yang 
More information.

Geman Deng

[mxj] 200 in China (1999 Sun Hongkai). Several townships in Chayu (Zayü) County, Nyingchi Prefecture, on tablelands either side of lower reaches of Chayu (Zayü) River in southeast corner of Tibet Autonomous Region, in their own small villages. Alternate names: Kaman, Keman, Miji, Miju, Mishmi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, North Assam, Tani 
More information.

Gepo

[ygp] 100,000 (2007), decreasing. Northeast Yunnan Province: Luquan, Fumin, Xundian, Luxi, Shizong, Luoping, Malong, Songming, Huize, Mile, Shilin, and Dongchuan counties. Alternate names: Köpu, Gupu, Gepu, Guo, Pingtouyi, Jiantouyi, Baiyi, Nasu, Guzu.  Dialects: Luquan Naso, Wuding Naisu. Related to Nasu [ywq].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Groma

[gro] 12,800 in China (1993). Population total all countries: 26,800. Chambi Valley, between Sikkim and Bhutan, Tibet. Also in India. Alternate names: Tromowa.  Dialects: Upper Groma, Lower Groma. Possible dialects or related languages: Spiti, Tomo (Chumbi).  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Southern 
More information.

Guanyinqiao

[jiq] 50,000 (1993 Lin). North central Sichuan, southwest tip of Maerkang County, Jinchuan River tributaries; northwest Jinchuan County; southeast Rangtang County. Alternate names: Western Jiarong, Zhongzhai.  Dialects: Xiaoyili, Siyaowu, Muerzong, Guanyingqiao, Ergali, Taiyanghe, Ere, Yelong. Phonologically Western and Northern are fairly similar and differ greatly from Eastern. Lexical similarity: 60% between Western and Northern Jiarong dialects.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, rGyarong 
More information.

Guiqiong

[gqi] 6,000 (2000 H. Sun). 1,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 7,000 (2000 D. Bradley). West central Sichuan, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Luding County, plateaus on both sides of the Dadu River north; northwest Tianquan County. One town is Wasigou. Alternate names: Guichong.  Dialects: Phonological dialect differences, but communication is possible. 2 or 3 varieties have difficult mutual intelligibility.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Hani

[hni] 740,000 in China (Bradley 2007). 60% of the official nationality are monolingual. Population total all countries: 518,620. South Yunnan, Jingdong and Jinggu counties, Yuanjiang and Lancang (Mekong) river basins, Ailao Mountains. Also in Laos, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Hanhi, Hani Proper, Haw.  Dialects: Hani has numerous dialects and is fairly similar to Akha [ahk].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Hlai

[lic] 667,000 (1999 J. Ouyang). 160,000 monolinguals. 432,000 Ha, 178,000 Qi, 44,000 Bendi, 30,000 Meifu (1990 census). Ethnic population: 1,247,814 (2000 census). Central and southern Hainan Province, Wanning, Tunchang, Danxiang, Chengmai, Baisha. Alternate names: Bli, Dai, Day, Dli, Klai, La, Lai, Le, Li, Loi, Slai.  Dialects: Ha (Luohua-Hayan-Baoxian), Qi (Gei, Tongshi-Qiandui-Baocheng), Meifu (Moifau), Bendi (Zwn, Baisha-Yuanmen, Local Li). Some dialects may be separate languages. Matisoff (1988) lists 8 varieties: Baoding, Xifang, Tongshi, Baisha, Qiandiu, Heitu, Yuanmen, Baocheng. Luowo subdialect of Ha dialect is considered the standard. Lexical similarity: 27% with Gelao [gio], 26% with Dong [doc] and Qabiao [laq], 25% with Lachi [lbt].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Hlai 
More information.

Hlersu

[hle] 15,000 (2007), decreasing. Central Yunnan Province, Zhenyuan and Shuangbai counties, scattered mountaintop locations; Yuanjiang County, 38 villages; Xinping County, 40 villages; Eshan County, 6 villages; Shiping County, 5 villages. Alternate names: Shansu, Sansu, Lesu.  Dialects: Related to Lolopo [ycl].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Hmong

[hmn] A macrolanguage.  Population total all countries: 6,463,595. 
More information.

Hmong Njua

[hnj] 40,000 in China (Hattaway 2000). Southeast Yunnan, Maguan, and Malipo counties. Alternate names: Mong Ntsua, Hmong Nzhua, Blue Hmong, Blue Meo, Tak Miao, Green Hmong, Green Meo, Qing Miao, Ching Miao, Lu Miao; Meo Dam, Meo Lai, Hmong Lens, Hmoob Leeg.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Hong Kong Sign Language

[hks] 20,000 (2007). Hong Kong, SAR. Alternate names: Heung Kong Sau Yue.  Dialects: 40% similarity with Chinese Sign Language [csl], 42%–52% similarity with Taiwan Sign Language [tss].  Classification: Deaf sign language 
More information.

Honi

[how] 140,000 (Bradley 2007). South Yunnan Province, east Simao Prefecture, Mojiang Hani, Pu’er Hani, Yi, and Dai autonomous counties; Yuxi Municipal Prefecture, Yuanjiang Hani, and Yi and Dai autonomous counties. Alternate names: Baihong, Hao-Bai, Haoni, Ho, Ouni, Uni, Woni.  Dialects: Haoni, Baihong. Dialects may be separate languages.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Horpa

[ero] 45,000 (Shearer and Sun 2002). 15,000 monolinguals. Eastern dialect: 4000, Northern dialect: 5000, Central dialect: 19,000, Western Dialect 17,000. Sichuan Province, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Danba (=Rongzhag), Daofu (Dawu), Luhuo, Xinlong (Nyagrong) counties; Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Jinchua (Quqên) County; Ganzi Prefecture, Chengguan District, Central and eastern Daofu County; Wari District, Wari, Xiajia, and Muru townships; Bamei District, Shazhong Township; Danba County, Dasang District, Geshiza, Bianer, and Dandong townships; Chuangu District, Donggu Township; Jinchuan District, Bawang, Jinchuan townships. Scattered communities in Hexi District, Manqing, Zhuwo, and Duoshan townships; Xialatuo District, Renda Township. Alternate names: Bawang, Bopa, Danba, Daofu, Daofuhua, Dawu, Ergong, Gangli, Hor, Hórsók, Huo’er, Pawang, Rgu, Stau, Western Gyarong, Western Jiarong.  Dialects: Western (Daofu, Taofu, Western Horpa, Western Ergong, Dawu), Eastern (Zhongzhai, Gangli, Jinchuan, Lawurong), Northern (Shangzhai, Rangtang), Central (Danba, Geshiza, Geshitsa). Eastern variety may be a separate language. The dialects of Horpa reportedly are not mutually intelligible.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, rGyarong 
More information.

Hu

[huo] 1,000 (2006 L. Jinfang). Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Mengla and Jinghong counties, 5 villages, including Nahuopa village in Jinghong, Mengyang Township. Dialects: Possibly a dialect of U [uuu], 76% similar lexically with U of Shuangjiang County.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic 
More information.

Ili Turki

[ili] 120 in China (1980 R. Hahn), decreasing. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Tekes, Nilka, Xinyuan, Gongliu, Zhaosu, and other counties, Ili Valley near Kuldja. Also in Kazakhstan. Alternate names: T’urk, Tu’erke, Tuerke.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Eastern 
More information.

Iu Mien

[ium] 383,000 in China (Wang and Mao 1995). Population total all countries: 818,635. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dayao Mountains, Guangdong in Ruyuan County, Yunnan, Hunan provinces; Guizhou Province, Rongjiang, Congjiang, and Libo counties. Also in Belgium, Denmark, France, Laos, Myanmar, New Zealand, Switzerland, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Ban Yao, Highland Yao, Mian, Mien, Myen, Pan Yao, Yao, Yiu Mien, Youmian.  Dialects: Guoshan Yao. Dialects may not be intelligible. Biao Mon [bmt] may be a dialect of Iu Mien. Differences from other Mienic languages are in the tone system, consonants, vowel quality, vowel length. Chinese linguists consider the Iu Mien spoken in Changdong, Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi is the standard. May be most similar to Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Lexical similarity: 78% with Kim Mun [mji], 70% with Biao-Jiao Mien [bje], 61% with Dzao Min [bpn].  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin 
More information.

Jiamao

[jio] 52,300 (Wurm et al. 1987). South Hainan Province, Baoting, Lingshui, and Qiongzhong counties, near Wuzhi Mountain. Alternate names: Gevou, Kamau, Ku vou, Tai.  Dialects: Considered by Chinese linguists a dialect of Hlai [lic], but very different from Hlai dialects in phonology, grammar, and vocabulary.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Hlai 
More information.

Jiarong

[jya] 83,000 (1999 H. Sun). 25,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 151,197 including 139,000 in Situ Jiarong, 12,197 in Chabao and Sidaba (Lin 1993). North central Sichuan. Situ is in the traditional territory of 4 chieftaincies: Zhuokeji, Suomo, Songgang, Dangba. Chabao is in northeast corner of Maerkang County, Chabao District, Longerjia, Dazang, and Shaerzong townships. Sidaba is in Maerkang County, Sidaba District, Caodeng, Kangshan, and Ribu townships; north in southwest corner of Aba County, Kehe and Rongan townships; west along middle Duke River, Rangtang County, between Wuyi and Shili townships; and Seda County at the confluence of Seda and Duke rivers, a small town. Alternate names: Chiarong, Gyarong, Gyarung, Jarong, Jyarung, Rgyarong.  Dialects: Situ (Eastern Jiarong), Chabao (Dazang, Northeastern, Northern, Central Jiarong), Sidaba (Caodeng, Northwestern, Western Jiarong). Varieties of Situ are: Ma’erkang, Lixian, Jinchuan (Dajin), and Xiaojin; Varieties of Sidaba are Caodeng and Ribu. Western and Northern phonology are fairly similar but differ greatly from Eastern. Dialects are likely three separate mutually unintelligible languages. Lexical similarity: 75% between Eastern and Northern Jiarong (with significant phonological differences), 60% between Western and Northern, 13% between the Situ dialect and Horpa [ero].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, rGyarong 
More information.

Jingpho

[kac] 40,000 in China (1999 X. Xu). 50% monolingual. Ethnic population: 132,143 in China (2000 census). West Yunnan, Dehong Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yingjiang, Longchuan, and Ruili counties; Baoshan Prefecture,Tengchong County. Alternate names: Chingp’o, Chingpaw, Dashanhua, Jinghpaw, Jingpo, Kachin, Marip.  Dialects: Enkun (Nkhumka, Nkhum), Shidan (Satanka, Xidan), Hkaku (Hka-Hku), Kauri (Hkauri, Gauri, Kauri, Khauri, Kauzhika), Mengzhi, Dzili (Jili), Dulong.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Jingpho-Luish, Jingpho 
More information.

Jinuo, Buyuan

[jiy] 1,000 (1994). Most monolingual. Ethnic population: 18,021 (1990 census). South Yunnan, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, near Laos and Myanmar borders, east of Jinghong. Youle Mountains. 40 villages. Alternate names: Buyuan, Jino.  Dialects: Buyuan and Youle dialects not mutually inherently intelligible. Chinese used for communication.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Jinuo, Youle

[jiu] 10,000 (Bradley 2007). South Yunnan, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, near Laos and Myanmar borders, east of Jinghong. Youle Mountains. 40 villages. Alternate names: Jino, Youle.  Dialects: Youle and Buyuan dialects not mutually inherently intelligible. Chinese used to communicate.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Jurchen

[juc] Extinct.  Alternate names: Nuchen, Nuzhen.  Dialects: Related to Manchu [mnc].  Classification: Altaic, Tungusic, Southern, Southwest 
More information.

Kaduo

[ktp] 180,000 in China (Bradley 2007), increasing. Population total all countries: 185,000. Yunnan Province, primarily southeast Simao Prefecture, Pu’er, Mojiang, and Jiangcheng counties. Also in Laos. Alternate names: Khatu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Kalmyk-Oirat

[xal] 139,000 in China (Wurm et al. 1987). 106,000 of Torgut (Tu’erhute) dialect and 33,000 of Kök Nur (Qinghai). Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region; Bayan Gool Autonomous Prefecture, Bortala Autonomous Prefecture. Alternate names: Oirat, Weilate, Western Mongol, Xinjiang Mongolian.  Dialects: Torgut (Tu’erhute), Kök Nur (Qinghai), Jakhachin, Bayit, Mingat, Olot (Ööld, Elyut, Eleuth), Khoshut (Khoshuud), Dorbot.  Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Oirat-Khalkha, Oirat-Kalmyk-Darkhat 
More information.

Kang

[kyp] 34,100 in China (1993). Southwest Yunnan. Alternate names: Tai Khang.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Kangjia

[kxs] 430 (1999 Sechenchogt). Ethnic population: 487. Qinghai Province, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Jainca County, Shalimu, Zongzila, and Hangdao villages. Alternate names: Kangyang Hui.  Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Mongour 
More information.

Kathu

[ykt] 5,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, Guangnan County, Balong District. Possibly in Guangxi. Alternate names: Gasu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Katso

[kaf] 4,000 (Bradley 1997), decreasing. Yunnan Province, Yuxi Prefecture, Tonghai County, Xingmeng Mongolian Autonomous Township. Alternate names: Gazhuo, Gezhuo, Kazhuo.  Dialects: All are proficient in Southwest Mandarin.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Kazakh

[kaz] 1,250,000 in China (2000 census). 85% are monolingual. 830,000 Northeastern Kazakh, 70,000 Southwestern Kazakh (1982). North Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Prefecture, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, eastern Xinjiang; Mulei Kazakh Autonomous County, Balikun Kazakh Autonomous County; northwest Gansu, Akesai Kazakh Autonomous County; northwest Qinghai provinces. Alternate names: Hazake, Kazak, Kazax.  Dialects: Northeastern Kazakh, Southwestern Kazakh.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Western, Aralo-Caspian 
More information.

Kemiehua

[kfj] 1,000 (1991). Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Jinghong County. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Unclassified 
More information.

Khakas

[kjh] 10 in China (1982 census). Ethnic population: 875. Heilongjiang Province, Fuyu County, north of Qiqihar. Alternate names: Abakan Tatar, Khakhas, Khakhass, Yenisei Tatar.  Dialects: Sagai, Beltir, Kacha, Kyzyl, Shor, Kamassian.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Northern 
More information.

Khlula

[ykl] 21,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, southeast Wenshan County, northern and central parts of Maguan County. Alternate names: Tula, Namupha, Alapha, Mo, Pao, Hei Phula, Black Phula, Shaoji Phula, Sifter Basket Phula, Phulapha, Zokhuo Na, Black Zokhuo.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Khmu

[kjg] 1,600 in China (1990). Southwest Yunnan Province, in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Jinghong County (9 villages), some in Mengla County. Alternate names: Chaman, Damai, Damailao, Damaile, Kamhmu, Kammu, Kamu, Kemu, Khamu, Khamuk, Khmu’, Khomu, Lao Terng, Mou, Pouteng, Theng.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu’, Khmu’ 
More information.

Khuen

[khf] 1,000 in China (1993).  Alternate names: Khouen, Khween, Kween.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu’, Khmu’ 
More information.

Kim Mun

[mji] 200,000 in China (Wang and Mao 1995). 61,000 in Hainan Province (2000 census). Population total all countries: 374,500. Yunnan Province, seventeen counties; Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, thirteen counties; Hainan Province, 7 counties. Also in Laos, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Chasan Yao, Gem Mun, Hainan Miao, Jim Mun, Jinmen, Kem Mun, Kimmun, Lan Tin, Lanten, Lowland Yao, Man Lantien, Men, Mun, Shanzi Yao.  Dialects: Dao Quan Trang, Dao Ho. Not intelligible with Iu Mien [ium]. Lexical similarity: 78% with Iu Mien, 67% with Biao-Jiao Mien [bje], 59% with Dzao Min [bpn].  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin 
More information.

Kon Keu

[kkn] 6,300 (2000). Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai Lincang, Baoshan, Simao prefectures. Possibly also in Myanmar and (or) Laos. Alternate names: Kongge.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic 
More information.

Korean

[kor] 1,920,000 in China (2000 census). 1,200,000 monolinguals. Inner Mongolia. 46% in Hyanbian Korean Autonomous District along Tumen River, Jilin (Kirin); Heilongjiang; Liaoning. Alternate names: Chaoxian.  Classification: Language isolate 
More information.

Kuanhua

[xnh] 1,000 (1991). Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Jinghong County. Alternate names: Damai.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Unclassified 
More information.

Kucong

[lkc] 40,000 in China (Bradley 2007), decreasing. Central Yunnan Province, Jinping, Luchun, Jiangcheng, Mengla, Yuanjiang, Xinping, Jinggu, and other counties. Alternate names: Cosung, Lahlu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Kyerung

[kgy] 100 in China (2002). Tibet. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central 
More information.

Kyrgyz

[kir] 160,000 in China (2000 census). Older adults monolingual. 60,000 Northern Kirghiz, 40,000 Southern Kirghiz. West and southwest Xinjiang, in Wuqia, Akqi, Akto, Tekes, Zhaosu, Baicheng, Wushi counties. Alternate names: Kara, Ke’erkez, Kirgiz.  Dialects: Southern Kyrgyz, Northern Kyrgyz.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Western, Aralo-Caspian 
More information.

Lachi

[lbt] 60 in China (2000 L. Yunbing), decreasing. Ethnic includes 193 Bag Lachi in 37 households, 852 Han Lachi in 179 households, 157 Red Lachi in 27 households, 432 Flowery Lachi in 72 households. Ethnic population: 1,634. Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southern Maguan County, several villages. Alternate names: I To, Ku Te, La Chi, Laji, Lati, Lipulio, Tai Lati, Y Mia, Y Poong, Y To.  Dialects: Lipute (Bag Lachi), Liputcio (Han Lachi), Lipuke (Red Lachi), Lipuliongtco (Flowery Lachi), Liputiõ (Black Lachi), Lipupi (Long-Haired Lachi).  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kadai, Ge-Chi 
More information.

Ladakhi

[lbj] 12,000 in China (1995). Western Tibet. Alternate names: Ladak, Ladaphi, Ladhakhi, Ladwags.  Dialects: Leh (Central Ladakhi), Shamma (Sham, Shamskat, Lower Ladakhi), Nubra Ladakhi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Western, Ladakhi 
More information.

Lahu

[lhu] 280,000 in China (Bradley 2007). Population total all countries: 445,700. Southwest Yunnan Province, Simao Prefecture, Lancang Lahu, Menglian Dai, Lahu & Va autonomous counties; Lincang Prefecture, Gengma Dai, Va autonomous counties. Also in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Kaixien, Kucong, Kutsong, Lahuna, Laku, Lohei, Moso, Muhso, Mussar, Musso, Mussuh, Namen.  Dialects: Na (Black Lahu, Musser Dam, Northern Lahu, Lohei), Nyi (Red Lahu, Southern Lahu, Musse Daeng), Shehleh. Na considered standard dialect. Black Lahu and Lahu Shi (Yellow Lahu) have difficult intelligibility. (See separate entry for Lahu Shi.) Mossu is in Laos. Lahu Shi (Yellow Lahu) and Kucong Lahupu (White Lahu, e.g. in Zhenyuan County) are distinct.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lahu Shi

[lhi] 117,000 in China (Bradley 2007), increasing. Population total all countries: 196,200. Ethnic population: 120,000. South Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Menghai District, Menghai County (Menghai Township); Simao Prefecture, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Nuofu District, other areas. Also in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, United States. Alternate names: Kur, Kwi, Lahu Xi, Shi, Yellow Lahu.  Dialects: Banlan, Bakeo. Most similar to Lahu [lhu].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lakkia

[lbc] 12,000 (1999 L. Baoyuan). 4,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 12,000. Eastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County. Alternate names: Chashan Yao, Lajia, Laka, Lakia, Lakja, Lakkja, Tai Laka, Tea Mountain Yao.  Dialects: Classified as Yao (Mien) nationality, but the language is Tai-Kadai (Svantesson). Phonetically similar to Iu Mien [ium], word order to Bunu [bwx]. Not intelligible with Hmong Djua [hnj] or Bunu. Minimal variation within Lakkia. All varieties mutually inherently intelligible. Lexical similarity: 45% with Dong [doc], 23% with Lachi [lbt] and Qabiao [laq], 22% with Gelao [gio].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Lakkja 
More information.

Lalo, Dongshanba

[yik] 30,000 (2002). West Yunnan, in Weishan, Yangbi, Midu, Xiaguan, Yongping, Baoshan, and Lancang counties. Alternate names: Lalu, Lalupa, Lalupu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lalo, Xishanba

[ywt] 300,000 (Xiong 1991). West Yunnan, in Weishan, Fengqing, Midu, Changning, Lincang, Yunxian, Jingdong, Jinggu, Yongde, Shidian, Nanjian, Yangbi, Zhenkang, Yunlong, Zhenyuan, Binchuan, Eryuan, and Heqing counties. Alternate names: Lalo, Lalopa, Misaba.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lalu, Eastern

[yit] 38,000 (2002). Yunnan, in Xinping, Zhenyuan, Mojiang, and Yuanjiang counties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lalu, Western

[ywl] 38,000 (2002). West Yunnan, in Baoshan, Shidian, Zhenkang, Longling, Luxi counties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lamu

[llh] 120 (2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 295. Yunnan Province, Dali Prefecture, Northeast Binchuan County. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lang’e

[yne] 2,000 (2007). Yunnan Province, southwest Yongsheng County. Alternate names: La’u.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Laomian

[lwm] 1,600 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, northwest Lancang County; Menglian County. Alternate names: Guba, Lawmeh, Bisu.  Dialects: Similar to Bisu [bzi].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Lashi

[lsi] 1,800 in China (1997). Yunnan Province, Dehong Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Luxi, Longchuan, Yingjiang, and Ruili counties. Alternate names: Acye, Chashanhua, Lachikwaw, Lasi, Leqi, Letsi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern 
More information.

Lhaovo

[mhx] 3,500 in China (2000). West Yunnan Province, Dehong Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Luxi, Longchuan, Yingjiang, Ruili, Lianghe counties. Alternate names: Diso, Lang’e, Laungaw, Laungwaw, Lawng, Liangsu, Malu, Matu, Maru, Nyky, Zi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern 
More information.

Lhomi

[lhm] 1,000 in China. Tibet Autonomous Region. Alternate names: Lhoket, Shing Saapa.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central 
More information.

Limi

[ylm] 29,000 (2002). Yunnan, in Yongde, Fengqing, Yunxian counties. Alternate names: Liumi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lingao

[onb] 600,000 (2000 L. Min). 100,000 monolinguals. 350,000 Lincheng, 170,000 Qiongshan. Hainan north central coast, Lingao County, parts of Danxian, Chengmai, and Qiongshan counties, Haikou City suburbs. Alternate names: Bê, Limkow, Linkow, Ong-Be, Ongbe, Vo Limkou.  Dialects: Lincheng (Lingao Proper-Dengmai), Qiongshan.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Be 
More information.

Lipo

[lpo] 420,000 (2007). North-central Yunnan Province in Luquan, Wuding, Lufeng, Yuanmo, Yongsheng, Dayao, Binchuan, Yuanmo, Yongren, Yao’an counties; south Sichuan Province, Renhe County. Alternate names: Central Lisu, Dayao, Eastern Lisu, Lolongo.  Dialects: Western Lipo, Eastern Lipo. Both dialects are similar to Lisu [lis], but neither is intelligible with Lisu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lisu

[lis] 610,000 in China (2000 census), increasing. Population total all countries: 767,000. West Yunnan Province, 11 prefectures, 63 counties, upper reaches of Salween and Mekong rivers; Sichuan Province, southwest Liangshan Prefecture. Also in India, Myanmar, Thailand. Alternate names: Chedi, Cheli, Chung, Khae, Leisu, Leshuoopa, Lesuo, Li, Li-Hsaw, Li-Shaw, Lip’a, Lisaw, Lishu, Liso, Lissu, Loisu, Lu-Tzu, Lusu, Southern Lisu, Yao Yen, Yaw Yin, Yaw-Yen, Yeh-Jen.  Dialects: Bai Lisu (White Lisu), Dechang Lisu, Hei Lisu (Black Lisu), Hua Lisu (Flowery Lisu), Lu Shi Lisu, Ninglang Lisu, Northern Lisu, Nujiang Lisu, Shibacha Lisu, Western Lisu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Northern, Lisu 
More information.

Lolopo

[ycl] 380,000 (2007). Central Yunnan Province, Nanhua, Chuxiong, Yao’an, Jingdong, Shuangbai, Mouding, and Lufeng counties primarily. Alternate names: Bai Yi, Central Yi, Gaoshanzu, Hei Yi, Lolopho, Lulupu, Luolu.  Dialects: Nanhua Lolopo, Shuangbai Lolopo, Yao’an Lolopo.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Lolopo, Southern

[ysp] 190,000 (2002). Yunnan, in Jingdong, Jinggu, Lancang, Zhenyuan, Simao, Pu’er counties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Northern, Yi, Central Yi 
More information.

[khb] 280,000 in China (2000 census). 50% monolingual. Population total all countries: 701,960. South Yunnan, Jinghong (Chiang Hung, Chien Rung), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, west of Lixianjiang (Black) River. Also in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Dai, Dai Le, Lu, Lue, Ly, Pai’i’, Pai-I, Shui-Pai-I, Sipsongpanna Dai, Tai Lu, Xishuangbanna Dai.  Dialects: Mu’ang Yong and dialects in the Lanna area may converge phonologically with Northern Thai [nod] (Diller and Juntanamalaga 1990). Low intelligibility with Shan [shn] (Dehong). Different from Tai Nüa [tdd], each having their own traditions. Most closely related to Khun [kkh]. Lexical similarity: 88% with Northern Thai, 74% with Central Thai [tha].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest 
More information.

Luoba, Boga’er

[adi] 1,090 in China (1999 J. Ouyang). 400 monolinguals. Southeast Tibet, Lhunze and Mainling counties, south of Yaluzangjiang River, Luoyu area. Alternate names: Abor, Adi, Adi-Bokar, Bengni-Boga’er, Boga’er, Bokar, Lho-Pa, Lhoba.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, North Assam, Tani 
More information.

Luoba, Yidu

[clk] 80 in China (1999 H. Sun). 50 monolinguals. Southeast Tibet, Nyingchi Prefecture, Chayu County, Xia Chayu (Zayu) zone, Xia Chayu (Zayu) and Ba’antong townships, in Danba River valley and adjoining mountain slopes, near Bhutan border. Alternate names: Chulikata, Idu Lhoba, Idu Mishmi, Lho-Pa, Lhoba, Yidu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, North Assam, Tani 
More information.

Macanese

[mzs] 4,000 (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Ethnic population: 8,500 (1985). Macau, Hong Kong. Possibly in USA. Alternate names: Macaense, Macao Creole Portuguese.  Classification: Creole, Portuguese based 
More information.

Mahei

[mja] 12,000. Yunnan Province, Jinggu Dai, Yi, Pu’er Hani, Yi autonomous counties. (Jinggu, formerly Chingku or Kingku; Pu’er, formerly Ning Erh). Alternate names: Mahe, Maheh.  Dialects: May be identical to Lolo [llb].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha 
More information.

Mak

[mkg] 10,000 (1982 census). Ethnic population: 10,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Guizhou Province, northwest Libo County, Yangfeng, Fangcun, Jialiang, and Di’e villages; some in neighboring Dushan County. Alternate names: Ching, Mo, Mo-Hua, Mochiahua, Mohua, Mojiahua.  Dialects: Mak, Chi, Ching (Cham), Hwa, Lyo. Dialect differences are minor. Similar to Ai-Cham [aih].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Man Met

[mml] 900 (1990 J-O. Svantesson). Southwest Yunnan Province, 5 communities in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture near the Hu. Alternate names: Manmi, Manmit.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic 
More information.

Manchu

[mnc] 60 (1999 A. Zhao). Ethnic population: 10,682,262 (2000 census). Heilongjiang, a few Manchu-speaking villages in Aihui and Fuyu counties. Alternate names: Man.  Dialects: Bala, Alechuxa, Jing, Lalin.  Classification: Altaic, Tungusic, Southern, Southwest 
More information.

Mang

[zng] 500 in China. Yunnan Province, Honghe Prefecture, Jinping County, Honghe Mengla District. 4 villages. Alternate names: Ba’e, Chaman, Manbu, Mang U, Xamang.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Mang 
More information.

Maonan

[mmd] 30,000 (2005), decreasing. A few thousand women and children monolinguals. Ethnic population: 107,166 (2000 census). North central Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Huanjiang Maonan Autonomous County, Xianan; a few in nearby Hechi, Yishan, Nandan, Du’an counties. Alternate names: Ai Nan.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Miao, Central Huishui

[hmc] 40,000 (1995 F. Wang). Central Guizhou Province, Huishui and Changshun counties, suburbs of south Guiyang Municipality. Alternate names: Central Huishui Hmong.  Dialects: Inherently mutually unintelligible with other Miao varieties. 30 to 40 different Hmong (Miao) languages in China. Great linguistic differences.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Central Mashan

[hmm] 70,000 (1995 F. Wang). South central Guizhou Province, Ziyun, Wangmo and Luodian counties. Alternate names: Central Mashan Hmong.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other varieties of Miao.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Chuanqiandian Cluster

[cqd] 1,400,000 (1995 F. Wang). West Guizhou, west Guangxi, south Sichuan, Yunnan (especially southeast and northeast). Alternate names: Chuanchientien Miao, Chuanqiandian Miao, Core Farwestern Hmongic, Hua Miao, Sichuan-Guizhou-Yunnan Miao, Western Miao.  Dialects: Hmong Dou, Downhill Hmong, Hongxian Miao, Red Thread Miao, Dananshan Miao, Hua Miao, Hwa Miao, Mong Hoa, Flowery Meo, Variegated Mong, Mong Leng, Mong Lenh, Hmong Len, Mong Shi, Mong Si, Hmong Shi, Light Hmong, Bai Miao, Qing Miao, Blue Hmong, Blue Meo, Tak Miao, Green Hmong, Green Meo, Qing Miao, Ching Miao, Lu Miao, Meo Dam, Black Meo, Meo Lai, Striped Hmong, Hmong Dle Ncha, Qingshui Miao, Clear Water Hmong, Hmong La, Red Mong, Mong La Hou, Red-headed Hmong, Hmong La, Paddyfield Miao, Hmong Shua Bua, Sa Pa Hmong, Meo Den, Hmong Den, Hmong Dlo, Hmong Bua, Hmong Sou, Hei Miao, Black Mong, Black Hmong, Hmong Be, Mountain Hmong, Chuan Miao, River Miao, Sichuan Miao, Yaque Miao, Magpie Miao, Hmong Drout Raol, Six Village Miao, Liuzhai Miao, Luzhai Miao, Dianxi Miao, Western Yunnan Miao, Bai Miao, White Miao. Similar to White Miao [mww].  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Eastern Huishui

[hme] 14,000 (1995 F. Wang). Central and south Guizhou Province, Huishui, Pingba, Luodian counties. Alternate names: Eastern Huishui Hmong.  Dialects: Inherently mutually unintelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Eastern Qiandong

[hmq] 350,000 (1995 F. Wang). East Guizhou Province, Jianhe, Jinping and Liping counties; west Hunan Province, Huitong, Jingzhou and Tongdao counties. Alternate names: Black Miao, Central Miao, Chientung Miao, Eastern East-Guizhou Miao, Eastern Hmu, Hei Miao, Hmu.  Dialects: Not intelligible with other Miao varieties. Corresponds more or less to Ma’s Central Miao and Purnell’s Eastern Miao.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Qiandong 
More information.

Miao, Eastern Xiangxi

[muq] 80,000 (1995 F. Wang). West Hunan Province, Luxi, Guzhang, Jishou and Longshan counties, some in Hubei. Alternate names: Eastern Ghao-Xong, Eastern Miao, Eastern West-Hunan Miao, Ghao-Xong, Hsianghsi Miao, Meo Do, Northern Miao, Red Meo, Red Miao.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other varieties of Miao.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Xiangxi 
More information.

Miao, Horned

[hrm] 50,000 (Hattaway 2000). Northeastern Yunnan, Zhenxiong County, Guiyang, Bijie, Qingzhen cities; northwest and central Guizhou, Dafang, Nayong and Zhijin counties. Alternate names: A-Hmo, Bai Miao, Hmong Khua Shua Ndrang, Hmong Sou, Jiao Miao, Jiaojiao Miao, Kha-Nzi, White Miao.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Large Flowery

[hmd] 300,000 (1995 F. Wang). Northwest Guizhou Province, Weining, Hezhang, Shuicheng, Pu’an, Zhenning, and Ziyun counties, Liupanshui municipality; northeast and central Yunnan Province, Zhaotong area, Yongshan, Yiliang, Daguan, Suijiang, Qiaojia, Xundian, Fumin, Luquan, Lufeng, and Wuding counties, Xuanwei, Qujing, Kunming, Anning and Chuxiong municipalities; south Sichuan Province, Panzhihua municipality. Alternate names: A-Hmao, Big Flowery Miao, Da Hua Bei Miao, Da Hua Miao, Diandongbei Miao, Flowery Miao, Great Flowery Tribe, Hua Miao, Hwa Miao, Northeastern Dian Miao, Northeastern Yunnan Miao, Ta Hwa Miao.  Dialects: Inherently mutually unintelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Luopohe

[hml] 61,000 (1995 F. Wang). Central Guizhou east of Guiyang, Weng’an, Guiding, Longli, Kaiyang counties, Fuquan and Kaili municipalities. Alternate names: Lobohe Miao, Luobo River Miao, Luobohe Hmong, Luopohe Hmong, Xi, Xijia Miao, Ximahe Miao.  Dialects: 2 dialects. Not inherently intelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Northern Guiyang

[huj] 84,000 (1995 F. Wang). Central Guizhou Province, Jinsha, Qianxi, Xifeng, Kaiyang, Xiuwen, Pingba Guiding counties, west Guiyang municipality suburbs. Alternate names: Northern Guiyang Hmong.  Dialects: Inherently mutually unintelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Northern Huishui

[hmi] 70,000 (1995 F. Wang). Central Guizhou Province, Guiyang municipality, Gaopo District; Huishui, Longli and Guiding counties. Alternate names: Northern Huishui Hmong.  Dialects: Inherently mutually unintelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Northern Mashan

[hmp] 35,000 (1995 F. Wang). South central Guizhou Province, Changshun, Luodian and Huishui counties. Alternate names: Northern Mashan Hmong.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Northern Qiandong

[hea] 1,250,000 (1995 F. Wang), decreasing. East and south Guizhou Province, Majiang, Danzhai, Leishan, Taijiang, Huangping, Shibing, Jianhe, Zhenyuan, Sansui, Fuquan, Pingba, Zhenning, Xingren, Anlong, Guanling, Zhenfeng and Ziyun counties, Kaili Qingzhen municipalities; northwest Guangxi Province, Longlin County. Alternate names: Black Miao, Central Miao, Chientung Miao, East Guizhou Miao, Gha Ne, Gha Ne Dlai, Heh Miao, Hei Miao, Hmu, Northern East Guizhou Miao, Northern Hmu.  Dialects: Not intelligible with other Miao varieties. Corresponds more or less to Ma’s Central Miao and Purnell’s Eastern Miao. At least 4 dialects (vernaculars). The official standard variety of Qiandong Miao is based on Yanghao, but with some similarities to other varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Qiandong 
More information.

Miao, Small Flowery

[sfm] 84,000 (1995).  Alternate names: Atse, Ghab-Mvb Ghab-Svd, Ghuab-Hmongb Ghuab-Soud, Xiao Hua Miao, Hsiao Hwa Miao.  Dialects: Similar to Large Flowery Miao.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Southern Guiyang

[hmy] 28,000 (1995 F. Wang). South central Guizhou Province, Changshun, Ziyun Zhenning counties, Anshun Municipality. Alternate names: Southern Guiyang Hmong.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Southern Mashan

[hma] 10,000 (1995 F. Wang). South Guizhou Province, Wangmo County. Alternate names: Southern Mashan Hmong.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Southern Qiandong

[hms] 500,000 (1995 F. Wang). All Miao in China: 8,949,116 (2000 census). Southeast Guizhou Province, Sandu, Danzhai, Libo and Rongjiang Congjiang counties; north Guangxi Province, Rongshui and Sanjiang counties. Alternate names: Black Miao, Central Miao, Chientung Miao, Hei Miao, Hmu, Southern East-Guizhou Miao, Southern Hmu.  Dialects: Not intelligible with other Miao varieties. Corresponds more or less to Ma’s Central Miao and Purnell’s Eastern Miao.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Qiandong 
More information.

Miao, Southwestern Guiyang

[hmg] 70,000 (1995 F. Wang). Central Guizhou Province, Pingba, Changshun counties, suburbs of Guiyang, Qingzhen, Anshun municipalities. Alternate names: Southwestern Guiyang Hmong.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Southwestern Huishui

[hmh] 56,000 (1995 F. Wang). Central Guizhou Province, Huishui, Sandu, Changshun counties. Alternate names: Miao, Southwestern Huishui Hmong.  Dialects: Inherently mutually unintelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Western Mashan

[hmw] 14,000 (1995 F. Wang). South Guizhou Province, Wangmo, Ziyun counties. Alternate names: Western Mashan Hmong.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Miao, Western Xiangxi

[mmr] 820,000 (1995 F. Wang), decreasing. Northwest Hunan Province, Huadan, Fenghuang, Baojing, Jishou, Guzhang, Longshan, Xinhuang Mayang counties; northeast Guizhou Province, Songtao County, Tongren and southeast Chongqing municipalities; Xiushan and Youyang counties; southwest Hubei Province, Xuan’en County; north Guangxi Province, Nandan County, Hechi municipality. Alternate names: Eastern Miao, Ghao-Xong, Hsianghsi Miao, Huayuan Miao, Meo Do, Northern Miao, Red Meo, Red Miao, West Hunan Miao, Western Ghao-Xong, Western West-Hunan Miao.  Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other Miao varieties.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Xiangxi 
More information.

Miao, White

[mww] 233,000 in China (2004). All Miao in China: 8,949,116 (2000 census). Population total all countries: 613,400. Ethnic population: 8,949,116. South and southwest Guizhou, northwest Guangxi, southeast and southwest Yunnan. Also in France, Laos, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam. Alternate names: Bai Miao, Banded Arm Hmong, Hmong Daw, Hmong Dleu, Hmong Qua Mpa, Meo Do, Meo Kao, Mong Do, Mong Trang, Pe Miao, Peh Miao, Striped Arm Hmong, Striped Hmong, White Hmong, White Lum, White Meo.  Dialects: Largely intelligible with Hmong Njua [hnj] and Hmong Daw (Mong Leng dialect) but sociolinguistic factors require separate literature for Hmong Daw.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Mili

[ymh] 23,000 (2002). Yunnan Province, Jingdong, Yunxian, Zhenyuan, Xinping counties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Miqie

[yiq] 30,000 (Bradley 2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 50,000. Yunnan Province, Wuding (Jincheng, Jiuchang, and Chadian districts), north Fumin, north Lufeng, south Luquan counties, parts of Yongren, Dayao, Yao’an, Nanhua, Jingdong, Zhenyuan, Jinggu, Yimen counties. Alternate names: Micha, Mielang, Minqi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Moji

[ymi] 2,000 (2008), decreasing. Yunnan Province, south and southwest Wenshan County; west Xichou County, Luchaichong village; possibly east Fumin County. Alternate names: Flathead Phulai, Muji, Phula, Phulawa, Pingtou Phula.  Dialects: Luchaichong. Moji patterns with Proto-Muji subgroup phylogenetically, but the Luchaichong dialect (the most vital dialect) heavily influenced by contact with Khlula and Zokhuo.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Monba, Tawan

[twm] 1,300 in China (2000 census). Less than half monolingual: Young children, older people, some young adults. 600 Southern Cuona, 700 Northern Cuona. Southeast Tibetan Autonomous Region, Shannan Prefecture, Cuona County, Lebu District (Southern Cuona); Linzhi Prefecture, Motuo County, Dexing District, Wenlang village (Northern Cuona). Alternate names: Cona Monba, Cuona Menba, Cuona Monpa, Cuona Monba, Menba, Menpa, Moinba, Momba, Mompa, Monba, Monpa.  Dialects: Northern Cuona, Southern Cuona.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Unclassified 
More information.

Mongolian, Peripheral

[mvf] 3,380,000 in China (1982). 2,500,000 are monolingual. Population includes 299,000 Chakhar, 317,000 Bairin, 1,347,000 Khorain, 593,00 Karachin, 123,000 Ordos, 34,000 Ejine. Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces, Urumchi to Hailar. Also in Mongolia. Alternate names: Inner Mongolian, Menggu, Monggol, Mongol, Southern-Eastern Mongolian.  Dialects: Chahar (Chaha’er, Chakhar, Qahar), Ordos (E’erduosite), Tumut (Tumet), Shilingol (Ujumchin), Ulanchab (Urat, Mingan), Jo-Uda (Bairin, Balin, Naiman, Keshikten), Jostu (Ke’erqin, Kharchin, Kharachin, Kharchin-Tumut, Eastern Tumut), Jirim (Kalaqin, Khorchin, Jalait, Gorlos), Ejine. Largely intelligible with Halh Mongolian [khk], but there are phonological and important loanword differences.  Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Oirat-Khalkha, Khalkha-Buriat, Mongolian Proper 
More information.

Muda

[ymd] 2,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, Jinghong County, Nanpianshan District. Dialects: Related to Mpi [mpi].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Muji, Northern

[ymx] 9,000 (2008). Yunnan Province, south Mengzi County, west Pingbian County. Alternate names: Bokha, Hlaka Mujima, Phula.  Dialects: Similar to Southern Muji [ymc].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Muji, Qila

[ymq] 1,500 (2008), decreasing. Yunnan Province, south Jinping County. 2 isolated villages. Alternate names: Doka, Mujitsu, Phutsu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Muji, Southern

[ymc] 26,000 (2008), increasing. Yunnan Province, north Jinping County; some in southwest and east Jinping County, south Mengzi County, southeast Gejiu County. Alternate names: Aga, Khlaka, Lahi, Muzi, Phula, Tjeki, Tshebu, Tshibu.  Dialects: Dazhai, Ma’andi, Tongchang, Yingpan, Jinhe, Gamadi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Mulam

[mlm] 86,000 (2005 Guangxi Language and Orthography Use Situation). Fewer than 10,000 monolinguals (including women and preschool children). Ethnic population: 210,000 (2000 census). North central Guizhou Province, Luocheng Mulam Autonomous County (90% in Dongmen and Siba communes), adjacent counties, Majiang and Kaili City. Alternate names: Abo, Ayo, Kyam, Molao, Mulao, Mulao Miao, Muliao, Mulou.  Dialects: Similar to Southern Dong [kmc]. Lexical similarity: 65% with Dong (probably Southern Dong).  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Muya

[mvm] 13,000 (2000 H. Sun). About 2,000 are monolingual. West central Sichuan, Kangbo (Kangding) and Jiulong (Gyaisi) in the Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and Simian (Shimian) County in the Ya’an District. Alternate names: Boba, Manyak, Menya, Minyag, Minyak, Miyao, Munya.  Dialects: Eastern Muya, Western Muya. Dialects reportedly not mutually inherently intelligible.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Muzi

[ymz] 10,000 (2008). Yunnan Province, south and east Gejiu County; west Mengzi County, scattered villages. Alternate names: Muji, Mogeha.  Dialects: Similar to Notthern Muji [ymx].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Naluo

[ylo] 40,000. Yunnan, Qiaojia, Wuding, Luquan, Yuanmou, Huize counties. Alternate names: Qiao-Wu Yi, Qiaojia-Wuding Yi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Northern, Yi, Eastern Yi 
More information.

Namuyi

[nmy] 4,000 (2000 H. Sun). 200 monolinguals, mainly older adults. Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Mianning, Muli, Xichang, Yanyuan counties; southwest Sichuan, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Jiulong (Gyaisi) County. Alternate names: Naimuci, Naimuzi.  Dialects: Eastern Namuyi, Western Namuyi. Low intelligibility between dialects, with lexical and phonological differences.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Nanai

[gld] 12 in China (1999 D.Chaoke). Ethnic population: 4,640 in China (2000 census). Northeast corner of Heilongjiang Province, near merge of Heilong, Songhua, and Wusuli rivers, Tongjiang County, Bacha, Jiejinkou villages; Raohe County, Sipai village. Most in the Russian Federation (Asia). Alternate names: Gold, Goldi, Hezhen, Juchen, Nanay, Sushen.  Dialects: Hezhen (Hezhe, Heche), Qileng (Qile’en, Kili, Kilen, Kirin).  Classification: Altaic, Tungusic, Southern, Southeast, Nanaj 
More information.

Nasu

[ywq] 250,000 (2007). Yunnan, Luquan, Wuding, Yongren, Lufeng, Yuanmou, Qujing, Xundian, Huize counties; south Sichuan, Huili County. Alternate names: Black Yi, Dian Dongbei Yi, Hei Yi, Nasu proper, Wu-Lu Yi.  Dialects: Luquan Naso, Wuding Naisu. The Naisu dialect is also called Hong Yi (Red Yi). Degrees of similarity between dialects, and also with Naluo [ylo], needs further investigation.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Northern, Yi, Eastern Yi 
More information.

Nasu, Wumeng

[ywu] 190,000 (2007). West Guizhou and East Yunnan, in Weining, Shuicheng, Hezhang, Nayong, Xuanwei, Huize, and Yiliang counties; Northwest Yunnan Province, Zhaotong, Yongshan, Daguan, Ludian counties. Alternate names: Wusa Yi, Yuan-Mo Yi, Wumeng Yi.  Dialects: Weining Yi, Hezhang Yi, Hen-Ke Yi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Nasu, Wusa

[yig] 500,000 (2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 700,000. Guizhou Province, Weining Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous, Dafang Autonomous, Hezhang, and Pan counties; west Guangxi, Baise District. Alternate names: Eastern Yi.  Dialects: Qian Xi, Bijie, Dafang. Reportedly low intelligibility between dialects.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Naxi

[nbf] 309,000 (2000 census). 100,000 monolinguals. Northwest Yunnan, Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County; scattered in Weixi, Zhongdian, Ninglang, Deqing, Yongsheng, Heqing, Jianchuan, and Lanping counties; Sichuan Province, Yanyuan, Yanbian, and Muli counties; southeast Tibet, a few in Mangkang County. Possibly in Myanmar. Alternate names: Lomi, “Mo-Su” , “Moso” , “Mosso” , Mu, Nahsi, Nakhi, Nasi.  Dialects: Lichiang (Lijiang), Lapao, Lutien. The western dialect is reportedly fairly uniform and considered the standard (from Dayan town in Lijiang County). Eastern has some internal differences, and intelligibility may be low within it.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Naxi 
More information.

Nisi

[yso] 36,000 (2002), decreasing. Southeast Yunnan, Wenshan, Yanshan, Maguan, Funing, Xichou, Malipo, Honghe counties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Nisu, Eastern

[nos] 75,000 (2004), decreasing. Yunnan, Jianshui, Tonghai, Gejiu, Kaiyuan, Mengzi, Pingbian, Hekou counties. Alternate names: Nisu, Shiping-Jianshui Nisu, Shiping-Jianshui Yi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Nisu, Northern

[yiv] 160,000, decreasing. Yunnan Province, Eshan, Xinping, Shiping (North), Yimen, Yuxi, Jiangchuan, Shuangbai, Jinning, Chengjiang, Northern Yuanjiang counties. Alternate names: E-Xin Yi.  Dialects: Nasu, Nisu. The Nasu dialect of Northern Nisu is distinct from Nasu language continuum further north. Nasu users comprehend other varieties of Northern Nisu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Nisu, Southern

[nsd] 210,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, Honghe, Yuanyang, Mojiang, Simao, Lüchun (Eastern), Jinping, Pu’er, Shiping (Southern), Yuanjiang (Southeastern) counties. Alternate names: Yuan-Mo Yi.  Dialects: Yuanyang Nisu, Mojiang Nisu. Related to Northern Nisu [yiv], Southwestern Nisu [nsv].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Nisu, Southwestern

[nsv] 15,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, Jiangcheng, Simao, Mojiang, Lüchun (western), Pu’er counties. Dialects: Yuanyang Nisu, Mojiang Nisu. Related to Northern Nisu [yiv], Southern Nisu [nsd].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Nung

[nun] 390 in China (1999 H. Sun). Almost no monolinguals. Ethnic population: 500 in China (1999 H. Sun). Yunnan, middle reaches of Nu (Salween) River, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Fugong County border region, 7 hamlets: Mugujia, Hashi, Muleng, Lagagong, Ani, Qia, Lahaigong in Mugujia village, administrative region of Shangpa Township. Alternate names: Anong, Anoong, Anu, Anung, Fuch’ye, Khanung, Khupang, Kiutze, Kwingsang, Kwinp’ang, Lu, Lutze, Lutzu, Nu.  Dialects: Cholo, Gwaza, Miko.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Nungish 
More information.

Nuosu

[iii] 2,000,000 (2000 census), increasing. 60% monolinguals (Jiafa 1994). North Yunnan, south Sichuan, mainly in Greater and Lesser Liangshan mountains. Spoken in over 40 counties. Alternate names: Black Yi, Liangshan Yi, Northern Yi, Nosu Yi, Sichuan Yi.  Dialects: Northern Shypnra, Southern Shypnra, Yynuo, Suondi (Adu).  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Nusu

[nuf] 12,000 (Bradley 2007). 1,000 monolinguals. 2,000 in Northern Nusu, 4,000 in Southern Nusu, and 6,000 in Central Nusu. Yunnan Province, Nujiang Lusu Autonomous Prefecture, south Fugong and northeast Lushui counties. Dialects: Northern Nusu (Wawa-Kongtong), Southern Nusu (Guoke-Puluo), Central Nusu (Zhizhiluo-Laomudeng). Dialects not inherently mutually intelligible.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Oroqen

[orh] 1,200 (2002 L. Whaley). 800 are monolingual. Ethnic population: 8,196 (2000 census). Heilongjiang Province, Hinggan Ling Prefecture, Tahe, Huma, Da, Xunke counties; Heihe Prefecture, Heihe City; Yichun Prefecture, Jiayin County; Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Oroqen and Butha banners of Hulun Buir League. Alternate names: Elunchun, Olunchun, Orochon, Oronchon, Ulunchun.  Dialects: Gankui, Heilongjiang Oroqen. Gankui in Inner Mongolia is the standard dialect.  Classification: Altaic, Tungusic, Northern, Evenki 
More information.

Pa Di

[pdi] 1,000 in China. Population total all countries: 1,300. Yunnan Province, Honghe Hani and Yi prefectures, Hekou and Jinping counties. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Padi.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern 
More information.

Pa-Hng

[pha] 26,800 in China (McConnell 1995). 10,000 monolinguals. Population total all countries: 32,370. Ethnic population: 26,815 in China. Guizhou Province, Liping, Congjiang counties; northeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Rongshui, Sanjiang, Longsheng, Rong’an, Lingui counties. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Baheng, Bahengmai, Man Pa Seng, Meo Lai, Pa Hng, Pa Ngng, Pa Then, Paheng, Tóng.  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Pa-hng 
More information.

Palaung, Pale

[pce] 9,000 in China (2000). West Yunnan, Dehong Prefecture, Luxi County, east of Rumai. Alternate names: Bulai, Bulei, Dlang, Ngwe Palaung, Palay, Pale, Pulei, Silver Palaung, Southern Ta’ang.  Dialects: Bulei, Raojin.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Palaung 
More information.

Palaung, Rumai

[rbb] 2,000 in China (1995). Far western Yunnan, Dehong Prefecture, Longchuan, and Ruili counties, on Myanmar border. Alternate names: Gemai, Guangjia, Guangka, Hemai, Humai, Na’ang, Romai, Rumai, Ruomai.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Palaung 
More information.

Palaung, Shwe

[pll] 2,000 in China (1995 SIL). Total De’ang nationality in China 15,462 (1990 census), 17,935 (2000 census). Southwest Yunnan, Lincang Prefecture, Zhenkang County; Baoshan Prefecture, Longyang County. Alternate names: Golden Palaung, Shwe, Ta-Ang Palaung.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Palaung 
More information.

Panang

[pcr] 12,000 (2002). Tibetan Autonomous Region. Alternate names: Banag, Banang, Panags, Panakha, Pananag, Sbanag, Sbranag.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central 
More information.

Parauk

[prk] 266,000 in China (2000 census). Southwest Yunnan, Lincang Prefecture, Cangyuan Va Autonomous, Shuangjiang Lahu, Blang, Dai Autonomous, Gengma Dai, and Yongde counties; Simao Prefecture, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County; Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Menghai County, Mengman District. Alternate names: Baraog, Baroke, Buliu, Bulu, Burao, Phalok, Praok, Wa.  Dialects: Aishuai, Banhong, Dazhai, Alwa.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Waic, Wa 
More information.

Pela

[bxd] 400 (2000 D. Bradley). Ethnic population: 1,000 (2001 J. Edmondson). Yunnan Province, Dehong Prefecture, Luxi County, Santaishan Township; Yingjiang, Lianghe counties. Maybe also Myanmar. Alternate names: Bela, Bola, Bula, Pala, Polo.  Dialects: Similar to Zaiwa [atb]. Considered by some a Zaiwa dialect.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern 
More information.

Phala

[ypa] 12,000 (2007). Yunnan Province, Shiping, Honghe counties, north and south banks of Yuanjiang (Honghe) River; Yuanyang, Jianshui counties, a few isolated villages downriver. Alternate names: Black Phula, Bola, Hei Phula, Khapho, Phula, Phulepho.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phola

[ypg] 13,000 (2007). Yunnan Province, Yuanjiang, Shiping, Honghe counties, along confluence of Yuanjiang (Honghe) and Xiaohedi rivers. Alternate names: Bola, Flowery Phula, Hua Phula, Phula, Phulepho, Tsha Phula.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phola, Alo

[ypo]  Yunnan Province, Yuanjiang County, Tuguozhai village. Alternate names: Pula, Bola.  Dialects: Similar to Phola [ypg].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Pholo

[yip] 30,000 (2008), decreasing. Ethnic population: 34,000. Yunnan Province, northeast Yanshan County, southeast Qiubei County; east Yanshan, west Guangnan, northeast Malipo counties, scattered. Alternate names: Black Phula, Flowery Phula, Phu, Phula.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phowa, Ani

[ypn] 10,000 (2007). Yunnan Province, north central Mengzi County, Xibeile District; south Kaiyuan County, Yangjie District. Alternate names: Flowery Phu, Hua Phu, Laotshipu, Pho, Phula.  Dialects: Most similar to Labo Phowa [ypb].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phowa, Hlepho

[yhl] 36,000 (2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 50,000. Yunnan Province, southwest Yanshan, north Mengzi, west Weshan, and north Pingbian counties. Alternate names: Abo, Boren, Bozi, Conehead Phula, Cowtail Phula, Daizhanpho, Digaopho, Flowery Phula, Hua Phula, Jiantou Phula, Minjia, Niuweiba Phula, Paola, Pho, Phula, Sandaohong Phula, Shaoji Phula, Sifter Basket Phula, Thrice Striped Red Phula, Xiuba.  Dialects: Most similar to Labo Phowa [ypb].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phowa, Labo

[ypb] 17,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, central, north-central and southeast Kaiyuan County. Alternate names: Asaheipho, Asahopho, Ekhepho, Labopho, Pho, Phula, White Phu, Zemapho.  Dialects: Most similar to Ani Phowa [ypn].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phukha

[phh] 5,000 in China (2008). Ethnic population: 7,000. Yunnan Province, southeast Maguan, southwest Malipo counties. Alternate names: Fu Khla, Phu Khla, Phù Lá, Phù Lá Hán.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phuma

[ypm] 8,000 (2007), increasing. Yunnan Province, east-central Pingbian County. Alternate names: Black Muji, Hei Muji, Muji, Paotlo, Phula, Phuli, Shaoji Phula, Sifter Basket Phula.  Dialects: Related to Bokha [ybk].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phupa

[ypp] 3,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, southwest Mengzi County; southeast corner of Gejiu panhandle. Alternate names: Hlagho, Laghï, Lala, Lamu, Larhwo, La’ou, Lapa, Muzi, Phula, Phupha, Tshebu.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phupha

[yph] 1,300 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, southwest Gejiu County. 4 villages; Yuangyang County, across Honghe River. 1 village. Alternate names: Phula, Phupho, Tsapho.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Phuza

[ypz] 6,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, southwest Mengzi and southeast Gejiu counties. Alternate names: Hei Phu, Phujitsu, Phula, Phu’a.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Pumi, Northern

[pmi] 35,000 (1999). 10,000 monolinguals. 24,000 as Pumi nationality, 30,000 as Tibetan nationality (1994). Southwest Sichuan, Muli, Yanyuan, and Kiulong counties; northwest Yunnan, Ninglang County, Yongning District. Alternate names: Ch’rame, Pimi, Primmi, Pruumi, P’ömi, P’rome, P’umi.  Dialects: Taoba. Northern Pumi has 4 subdialects. Intelligibility with Southern Pumi [pmj] is low. Lexical similarity: between Northern and Southern is 60%, grammatical differences minor.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Pumi, Southern

[pmj] 19,000 (1999). 6,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 28,000 (2000). Northwest Yunnan Province, Lanping, Weixi, Yongsheng, and Lijiang counties; Ninglang County, Xinyingpan District. Alternate names: Pimi, Primmi, Pruumi, P’ömi, P’rome, P’umi.  Dialects: Qinghua. Southern Pumi has 4 subdialects. Intelligibility with Northern Pumi is difficult. Lexical similarity: 60% between Northern and Southern.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Qabiao

[laq] Few elderly speakers. Ethnic population: 400. Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Malipo County, Tiechang, Matong, Punong, Pucha, and Pufeng towns. Alternate names: Ka Bao, Ka Biao, Kabeo, Laqua, Pu Péo, Pubiao, Pupeo.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kadai, Yang-Biao 
More information.

Qiang, Northern

[cng] 57,800 (1999), decreasing. 14,000 Mawo dialect, 14,000 Weigu dialect, 11,000 Luhua dialect, 8000 Cimulin dialect, and 9,000 Yadu dialect. 130,000 total for Northern and Southern Qiang languages, including 80,000 as Qiang nationality and 50,000 as Tibetan nationality (1990 J-O. Svantesson). Ethnic population: 306,072 (2000 census). North central Sichuan Province, Mao, Songpan, Heishui, Beichuan counties. Alternate names: Ch’iang.  Dialects: Mawo, Yadu, Weigu, Cimulin, Luhua.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Qiang, Southern

[qxs] 81,300 (1999 J. Evans), decreasing. No monolinguals. 8,300 Daqishan dialect, 4,100 Taoping dialect, 3,100 Longxi dialect, 14,500 Mianchi dialect, 31,000 Hehu dialect. Around 130,000 total for Northern and Southern Qiang. 80,000 classified as Qiang nationality and 50,000 classified as Tibetan nationality (1990 J-O. Svantesson). North central Sichuan Province, Minjiang River basin between Zhenjiangguan in Songpan County to the north, and Wenchuan and Li counties to the south, as far east as Beichuan County. Alternate names: Ch’iang.  Dialects: Dajishan (Daqishan), Taoping, Longxi, Mianchi, Heihu, Sanlong, Jiaochang. Related to Muya [mvm].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Queyu

[qvy] 7,000 (1995). West Sichuan, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Xinlong (Nyagrong), Yajiang (Nyagquka) Litang counties. Alternate names: Choyo, Zhaba.  Dialects: Similar to Zhaba [zhb].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Riang

[ril] 3,000 in China (1995). Southwest Yunnan, Lincang Prefecture, Zhenkang County; Baoshan Prefecture, Longyang County. Alternate names: De’ang, Liang, Liang Palaung, Na’ang, Riang-Lang, Xiaoan’gou, Xiaochanggou, Yang Sek, Yang Wan Kun, Yanglam, Yin.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Riang 
More information.

Russian

[rus] 2,940 in China (Shearer and Sun 2002). Ethnic population: 15,609 (2000 census). North Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Karamay (Kelamayi), Changji, Tacheng cities; Yili Prefecture (esp. Yi’ning City); Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, E’erguna Enhe Russian Autonomous District (Hulunbeier banner),China Pictures; Heilongjiang Province, Heihe City. Alternate names: Eluosi, Olossu, Russ, Russki.  Classification: Indo-European, Slavic, East 
More information.

Salar

[slr] 60,000 (2002), decreasing. Under 20,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 104,503 (2000 census). Qinghai Province, Xunhua Salar Autonomous, Hualong Hui autonomous counties; Gansu Province, Jishishan Autonomous County; Xinjiang, Yining. Alternate names: Sala.  Dialects: Jiezi, Mengda. Salar is spoken by descendants of an Oghuz-Turkic-speaking subtribe. Has an Oghuz Turkic base, and took on a medieval Chaghatay Turkic stratum through Central Asian contacts and finally acquired a stratum of features from local languages (1989 R. Hahn). Jiezi often seen as standard dialect.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Southern 
More information.

Samatao

[ysd] 400 (2007), decreasing. Guandu District, Kunming Municipality, Zijun village. A few elderly speakers in Zhenkang and Yongde. Alternate names: Samadu, Samaduo, Samou.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Samei

[smh] 20,000 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 35,000. Yunnan Province, Guandu District, Kunming City, Ala and surrounding communities (47 villages); west Yiliang County (7 villages). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Samtao

[stu] 100 in China (1993). Southwest Yunnan, Xishuangbanna Prefecture. Alternate names: Samtau, Samtuan.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic 
More information.

Sangkong

[sgk] 1,500 (1995 D. Bradley), decreasing. Ethnic population: 2,000. South Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Jinghong County, Xiaojie (3 villages) and Menglong (1 village) districts. Alternate names: Buxia.  Dialects: Similar to Bisu [bzi] and Phunoi [pho].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southern 
More information.

Sani

[ysn] 100,000 (2007). Southeast Yunnan, Shilin, Yilang, Mile, Luxi, Qiubei counties. Dialects: Northern Sani, Southern Sani.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Sanie

[ysy] 8,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, north Anning County, Kunming Municipality, Xishan District; southwest Fumin County. Alternate names: Bai Lolo, Bai Yi, Sanyie, Sa’nguie, Shanie, Shaniepu, White Yi.  Dialects: Similar to Samatao [ysd].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Northern 
More information.

Sarikoli

[srh] 16,000 (2000 G. Erqing). Ethnic population: 20,412 (2000 G. Erqing). Southwest Xinjiang, Taxkorgan (Tashkurghan) area, Sarikol Valley. Alternate names: Salikur, Sarykoly, Tadzik, Tajik, Tajiki.  Dialects: Not intelligible with Shughni [sgh] of Tajikistan and Afghanistan.  Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Eastern, Southeastern, Pamir, Shugni-Yazgulami 
More information.

Shan

[shn]  1 village. Alternate names: Dehong.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest 
More information.

Shangzhai

[jih] 4,100 (2004). North central Sichuan, south Rangthang County, Shangzhai District, Shili, Zongke, and Puxi townships, near confluence of Duke River and its tributary Zhongke River. Alternate names: Western Jiarong.  Dialects: Dayili, Zongke, Puxi. Phonologically Western and Northern are fairly similar and differ greatly from Eastern. Lexical similarity: 75% between Eastern and Northern Jiarong, 60% between Western and Northern Jiarong.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, rGyarong 
More information.

She

[shx] 910 (1999 M. Zongwu). 197 monolinguals. 579 Luofu, 386 Lianhua (McConnell 1995). Ethnic population: 709,592 (1990 census) as official She nationality, including 375,000 in Fujian Province, 171,000 in Zhejiang Province 78,000 in Jiangxi Province, 45,000 in Guizhou Province, and 28,000 in Guangdong. Southeast Guangdong Province. Luofu in Boluo and Zengcheng counties, Lianhua in Haifeng and Huidong counties. More than 10 villages. Alternate names: Huo Nte.  Dialects: Luofu (Eastern She), Lianhua (Western She). Major linguistic differences with Iu Mien [ium]. Most similar to Jiongnai Bunu [pnu]. Dialects inherently intelligible. Classification within Hmong-Mien is in dispute (McConnell 1995:1320).  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Ho Nte 
More information.

Sherpa

[xsr] 800 in China (1994). Tibet. Alternate names: Serwa, Sharpa, Sharpa Bhotia, Xiaerba.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Southern 
More information.

Shixing

[sxg] 1,800 (2000 D. Bradley). 1,200 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 2,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Southwest Sichuan, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Muli Tibetan Autonomous County. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Sinicized Miao

[hmz] 250,000 (Hattaway 2000). Population total all countries: 252,000. Western Guizhou Province, Dafang, Guanling, Nayong, Pu’an, Puding, Qianxi, Qinglong, Shuicheng, Xingren, Zhenning, Zhijin, and Ziyun counties; southeastern Yunnan Province, Wenshan , Honghe prefectures; northwestern Guangxi Province, Longlin County; Anshun and Xingyi cities. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Hmong Shua.  Dialects: Similar to Chuanqiandian Cluster Miao [cqd], Small Flowery Miao (Gha-Mu) [sfm], Forest Miao (Hmong Rongd) [mww].  Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian 
More information.

Sui

[swi] 200,000 in China (1999 X. Zeng). 100,000 monolinguals. Population total all countries: 200,120. Ethnic population: 406,902 (2000 census). Guangxi and northeast Yunnan; Guizhou: Sandu, and Libo districts; Guangxi: Nandan District. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Ai Sui, Shui, Sui Li, Suipo.  Dialects: Sandong (San Tung), Anyang (Yang’an), Pandong. Dialect differences are minor, although Yunnan is reportedly more different. Sandong is the standard.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Tai Dam

[blt] 10,000 in China (1995). Jingping County, Yunnan. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng 
More information.

Tai Dón

[twh] 10,000 in China (1995). Jingping County, Yunnan. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng 
More information.

Tai Hongjin

[tiz] 85,000 (2000 census). Southeast and north Yunnan Province, Sichuan north of the Yangtze at Huili and Takou. Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yongren, Wuding and Dayao counties; Kunming Prefecture, Luquan Yi, Miao autonomous counties; Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Maguan County; Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Honghe, Yuanyang counties; Yuxi Prefecture, Yuanjiang Hani, Yi, Dai autonomous counties; Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Lüchun, Shiping, Jianshui counties. Dialects: Dialects are significantly different and probably not all mutually intelligible. Tai Hongjin dialects have undergone more influence from Chinese and surrounding Ngwi languages (Yi and Hani) than other Yunnan Tai languages, and are only 50%-60% lexically similar to other Tai languages. Tai Hongjin is a subgrouping of scattered non-Buddhist Southwestern Tai language groups, who have some common phonological traits, but many differences as well.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Unclassified 
More information.

Tai Nüa

[tdd] 540,000 in China (Zhou and Luo 2001). Population total all countries: 647,400. Ethnic population: 610,000. South central Yunnan, Dehong Prefecture, southwest of Dali near Lancang (Mekong) River. May be in north Viet Nam. Also in France, Laos, Myanmar, Switzerland, Thailand. Alternate names: Chinese Shan, Chinese Tai, Dai Kong, Dai Na, Dai Nuea, Dehong, Dehong Dai, Tai Dehong, Tai Le, Tai Mao, Tai Neua, Tai Nü, Tai Nue, Tai-Kong, Tai-Le, Yunannese Shan, Yunnan Shant’ou.  Dialects: Dehong, Tai Pong (La, You, Ya, Ka, Tai Ka, Sai), Yongren. Lexical similarity: 29% with Qabiao [laq] and Lachi [lbt], 22% with Gelao [gio].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, Northwest 
More information.

Tai Ya

[cuu] 50,000 in China (2000 census). Population total all countries: 50,400. Central and South Yunnan Province, Yuxi Prefecture, Xinping Yi-Dai Autonomous County, Mosha District; Yuanjiang Hani, Yi, Dai autonomous counties; Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yuanyang and Honghe counties. Also in Thailand. Alternate names: Cung, Daiya, Huayao Dai, Multi-colored, Tai Cung, Tai-Chung, Tai-Cung, Waistband Tai, Ya, Yuanxin Hongjin Dai.  Dialects: Tai Ya, Tai Sai (Dai Sai), Tai Kha (Dai Ka), Tai Chung (Dai Zhong, Cung). Dialects mutually intelligible, though speakers of the latter three may understand Tai Ya dialect (the largest) more easily than speakers of Tai Ya understand the other three dialects. Some linguists have analyzed Tai Ya as most similar to Tai Nüa [tdd], others have grouped Tai Ya with other non-Buddhist Southwestern Tai groups. Tai Ya is probably not easily intelligible with other varieties of Tai.  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern 
More information.

Takpa

[tkk]  Tibetan Autonomous Region on the India border. Alternate names: Dakpa, Dwags.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Western, Ladakhi 
More information.

Talu

[yta] 13,600 (2007), decreasing.  Alternate names: Taliu, Tagu, Tazhi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Tanglang

[ytl]  Northwest Yunnan Province, south Lijiang County, Tai’an District, Hongmai Community. Locals call this area “Tanglangba” or Tanglang Basin. Alternate names: Tholo.  Dialects: Similar to Lisu [lis].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Tatar

[tat] 800 in China (1999 Z. Chen), decreasing. Ethnic population: 4,890 (2000 census). North Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Yining (Ghulja, Kulja), Qvqek, and Ürümqi. Alternate names: Tartar, Tata’er.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Western, Uralian 
More information.

T’en

[tct] 15,000 (1999 B. Wenze), decreasing. Ethnic population: 25,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Guizhou Province, east Pingtang County; Dushan County; Huishui, just south of Guiyang. Alternate names: Rau, Then, Yang Hwang, Yanghuang.  Dialects: Hedong, Hexi, Huishui. Similar to Sui [swi], some scholars consider T’en to be a dialect of Sui (Shearer and Sun 2002).  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui 
More information.

Thangmi

[thf] 300 in China (2002). Tibetan Autonomous Region. Alternate names: Dolakha, Thami.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Eastern 
More information.

Thopho

[ytp] 200 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, Guangnan County, South-central Zhetu District; northeast Zhulin District. Alternate names: Black Hat Folk, Black Phula, Hei Mao Ren, Phula.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

Tibetan, Amdo

[adx] 810,000 (Wurm et al. 1987). 538,500 Hbrogpa, 97,600 Rongba, 112,800 Rongmahbrogpa, 60,600 Rtahu. Huangnan, Hainan, Haibei, and Guoluo (Golog) Tibetan autonomous prefectures; Qinghai Province, Haixi Mongolian-Tibetan-Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture; Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest Gansu Province, Tianzhu Autonomous County; west and north Sichuan Province, Ganzi, Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan autonomous prefectures. Alternate names: Amdo, Anduo, Ngambo.  Dialects: Hbrogpa, Rongba, Rongmahbrogpa, Rtahu. Central Tibetan [bod] or Khams Tibetan [khg] varieties not intelligible. Dialects may not be mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: 70% with Central Tibetan and Khams Tibetan.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Northern 
More information.

Tibetan, Central

[bod] 1,070,000 in China (1990 census). 86% monolinguals. 570,000 Dbus, 460,000 Gtsang, 40,000 Mngahris out of 4,593,000 in the official nationality. Population total all countries: 1,277,620. Tibet, Sichuan, Qinghai. Also in Bhutan, India, Nepal, Norway, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States. Alternate names: Bhotia, Dbus, Dbusgtsang, Phoke, Tibetan, U, Wei, Weizang, Zang.  Dialects: Gtsang (Tsang, Lhasa), Dbus, Mngahris (Ngari), Deqing Zang. In the exile community a so-called diaspora Tibetan has developed.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central 
More information.

Tibetan, Khams

[khg] 1,490,000 (1994). 996,000 Eastern, 135,000 Southern, 158,000 Western, 91,000 Northern, 77,000 Jone, 30,000 Hbrugchu. Northeast Tibet, Changdu (Qamdo) and Naqu (Nagqu) districts; west Sichuan, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture; northwest Yunnan Province, Diqing (Dêqên) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture; southwest Qinghai Province, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Alternate names: Kam, Kang, Khamba, Khampa, Khams, Khams Bhotia, Khams-Yal.  Dialects: Eastern Khams, Southern Khams, Western Khams, Northern Khams, Hbrugchu, Jone. Dialects may be separate languages; large differences reported. Lexical similarity: 80% with Dbusgtsang [bod] (Central Tibetan).  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Northern 
More information.

Tinani

[lbf] 450 in China (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Western Tibet border. Alternate names: Bhotia of Lahul, Gondla, Lahauli, Lahouli, Lahuli Tinan, Rangloi.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Western Himalayish, Kanauri 
More information.

Tsat

[huq] 3,800 (1999 Y. Zheng). Ethnic population: 5,000 (2000 D. Bradley). South Hainan Prefecture; Yaxian (Sanya) County, Yanglan District, Huixin and Huihui villages. Alternate names: Hainan Cham, Hui, Huihui, Sanya Hui, Utsat, Utset.  Dialects: Most similar to Northern Roglai [rog], but very different. Tsat is structurally changed to be like Chinese.  Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Malayo-Sumbawan, North and East, Chamic, Highlands, Chru-Northern, Northern Cham 
More information.

Tseku

[tsk] 12,600 in China (2000). Population total all countries: 23,790. Tibetan Autonomous Region. Also in Bhutan, Nepal. Alternate names: Tsuku, Tzuku.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Tibetan, Central 
More information.

Tshangla

[tsj] 7,000 in China (2000 census). Majority are monolingual. Ethnic population: 8,923. Southeast Tibetan Autonomous Region, Linzhi Prefecture, Motuo (Medoz, Medog) County, Beibeng, Motuo, Bangxing, and Dexing districts; Dongjiu District, Linzhi (Ngingchi) County. Alternate names: Canglo Monba, Cangluo Menba, Cangluo Monba, Central Monpa, Menba, Monba, Monpa, Motuo Menba, Sangla, Tsangla Monba, Tsanglo.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Himalayish, Tibeto-Kanauri, Tibetic, Bodish, Tshangla 
More information.

Tu

[mjg] 152,000 (1999 K. Li). Very few monolinguals. Ethnic population: 190,000. East Qinghai Province, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County; Gansu Province. Alternate names: Mongor, Mongour, Monguor.  Dialects: Huzhu (Mongghul, Halchighol, Naringhol), Minhe (Mangghuer). Said to be most divergent of all Mongolian languages. Dialects reported not inherently mutually intelligible. Huzhu: 150,000 people, 50,000 speakers; Minhe: 25,000. Dongren Huzhu considered standard. Dialects of Huzhu: Halchi, Karlong (18,000), Naringhol.  Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Mongour 
More information.

Tujia, Northern

[tji] 70,000 (Brassett and Brassett 2005). 100 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 8,028,133. Northwest Hunan, Yingjiang and Yanhe counties, Hubei, Guizhou, Wuling Mt. range. Alternate names: Tuchia, Tudja.  Dialects: Longshan, Baojing. Lexical similarity: 40% with Southern Tujia [tjs].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tujia 
More information.

Tujia, Southern

[tjs] 1,500 (Brassett and Brassett 2005), decreasing. Monolingual speakers are mainly women, children, and older adults. Ethnic population: 8,028,133. Northwest Hunan Province, Luxi County. 3 villages. Alternate names: Tuchia.  Dialects: Lexical similarity: 40% with Northern Tujia [tji], but with phonological and grammatical differences.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tujia 
More information.

Tuva

[tyv] 2,400 in China (1999 H. Wu). No monolinguals. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Altay Prefecture, Burjin, Habahe, Fuyun, and Altay counties. Alternate names: Diba, Kök, Mungak, Tuvin, Tuwa.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Northern 
More information.

U

[uuu] 40,000 (2000). Southwest Yunnan Province, Baoshan Municipal Prefecture, Shidian and Changning counties. May be in Myanmar. Alternate names: A’erwa, Awa Blang, P’uman, Puman, Wa, Wu, Wu Blang.  Dialects: Not closely related to Blang [blr] (1990 J-O Svantesson). May be same as Wu dialect of Wa [wbm] in Myanmar and Hu [huo] of China.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic 
More information.

Uyghur

[uig] 8,400,000 in China (2000 census). Most are monolingual. 4,700,000 Central Uyghur, 1,150,000 Hotan, 25,000 Lop. Population total all countries: 8,788,690. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Also in Afghanistan, Australia, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkey (Asia), United States, Uzbekistan. Alternate names: Uighuir, Uighur, Uiguir, Uigur, Uygur, Weiwuer, Wiga.  Dialects: Central Uyghur, Hotan (Hetian), Lop (Luobu). The Akto Türkmen speak a dialect of Uyghur with 500 different seldom-used words. There are 2,000 in 2 villages, Kösarap and Oytak in Akto County, south of Kashgar, Xinjiang. Dolan is a dialect spoken around the fringes of the Taklimakan Desert in Xinjiang. Chinese linguists recognize 3 dialects. Others have used the following dialect names: Kashgar-Yarkand (Kashi-Shache), Yengi Hissar (Yengisar), Khotan-Kerya (Hotan-Yutian), Charchan (Qarqan, Qiemo), Aksu (Aqsu), Qarashahr (Karaxahar), Kucha (Kuqa), Turfan (Turpan), Kumul (Hami), Ili (Kulja, Yining, Taranchi), Urumqi (Urumchi), Lopnor (Lopnur), Dolan, Akto Türkmen. There are significant dialect differences between China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Eastern 
More information.

Uzbek, Northern

[uzn] 5,000 in China (2000 A. Chentgshiliang). Ethnic population: 12,370. North and west Xinjiang; Urumqi, Kashgar, and Yining (Ghulja) cities, especially Ili. Alternate names: Ouzbek, Ozbek, Usbaki, Usbeki.  Dialects: Andizhan, Tashkent, Samarkand, Fergana.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Eastern 
More information.

Vietnamese

[vie] 7,200 in China (1999 J. Ouyang). South coast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region, on Shanxin, Wanwei, and Wutou peninsulas (the “three peninsulas”), Fangcheng Pan-Nationality Autonomous County; Jiangping region. Alternate names: Annamese, Ching, Gin, Jing, Kinh.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Vietnamese 
More information.

Wa, Vo

[wbm] 40,000 (2000). Many monolinguals. Southwest Yunnan, Lincang Prefecture, Yongde and Zhenkang counties. Alternate names: Awa, K’awa, Kawa, Va, Vo, Wa Proper, Wa Pwi, Wakut.  Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Waic, Wa 
More information.

Wakhi

[wbl] 6,000 in China. Ethnic population: 41,028 in Tajik nationality (2000 census). Xinjiang Ughur Autonomous Region, Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County (especially Daftar); mountains south of Pishan. Alternate names: Khik, Vakhan, Wakhani, Wakhigi.  Dialects: Eastern Wakhi.  Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Eastern, Southeastern, Pamir 
More information.

Waxianghua

[wxa] 300,000 (1995). West Hunan Province, a 6,000 sq km area, Wuling Mountains, including Yuanling, Chunxi, Jishou, Guzhang, and Dayong. Alternate names: Wogang, Xianghua.  Dialects: Classified as Han nationality. It differs greatly from both Southwestern Mandarin (Xinan Guanhua) and Xiang Chinese (Hunanese), but is relatively uniform within itself. Neighboring Han Chinese, Miao, and Tujia people do not understand it. Some view it as a special variety of Chinese, others as a minority language, perhaps related to Miao.  Classification: Unclassified 
More information.

Wutunhua

[wuh] 2,000 (1995). East Qinghai Province, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Tongren County, Longwu Township, Upper, Lower Wutun and Jiangchama villages. Alternate names: Wutong, Wutun.  Classification: Mixed language, Chinese-Tibetan-Bonan Mongour Mongolian 
More information.

Xiandao

[xia] 100 (1994). West Yunnan Province, Dehong Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yingjiang County, Jiemao District, Manmian Township, Xiandao and Meng’e villages. Alternate names: Xiandaohua.  Dialects: Members of Achang nationality speak it; some consider it a dialect of Achang [acn].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Unclassified 
More information.

Xibe

[sjo] 30,000 (2000 J. An). Few monolinguals. Ethnic population: 188,824 (2000 census). Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Qapqal, Huocheng, Gongliu, Xinyuan, Nilka, Tekes and Zhaosu counties; Ili Prefecture, Yining City; Tacheng Prefecture, Tacheng County; Bortala Prefecture, Bole County, Ürümqi City. Alternate names: Sibe, Sibin, Sibo, Xibo.  Dialects: Inherently intelligible with Manchu [mnc].  Classification: Altaic, Tungusic, Southern, Southwest 
More information.

Yerong

[yrn] 380 (2000). West Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Baise Prefecture, Napo County, on the Yunnan Province and Viet Nam border; Longhe District, Rongtun and Gonghe villages; Pohe District, Shanhe, Yong’an and Guoba. Alternate names: Ban Yao, Da Ia, Daban Yao, Eastern Buyang, Guangxi Buyang, Ia Hrong, Iron Yao, Khyung Buyang, Liu Yao, Napo Buyang, Six Yao, Tie Yao, Tu Yao Indigenous Yao, Yalang, Yang Khyung, Yerong Buyang.  Dialects: Yerong is closely related to, but not mutually intelligible with, the 3 Buyang languages. May be most similar to the recently discovered En [enc] of Northern Viet Nam. Lexical similarity: 67% with Langnian Buyang [yln], 63% with E’ma Buyang [yzg], and 46% with Baha Buyang [yha].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kadai, Yang-Biao, Buyang, Eastern 
More information.

Yugur, East

[yuy] 3,000 (1999 Junast). Ethnic population: 6,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Northwest Gansu Province, east Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Kangle, Mati, and Dahe districts. Alternate names: Eastern Yogor, Enger, Shera Yogur, Shira Yugur, Yogor, Yögur, Yugar, Yugu.  Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Mongour 
More information.

Yugur, West

[ybe] 2,600 (1999 J. Zhong). Ethnic population: 6,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Northwest Gansu Province, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County near Zhangye (Kanchow). Alternate names: Sari Yogur, Sarig, Sary-Uighur, Sarygh Uygur, Ya Lu, Yellow Uighur, Yugu, Yuku.  Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Eastern 
More information.

Zaiwa

[atb] 80,000 in China (1999 X. Xu). 20,000 monolinguals. Population total all countries: 110,000. Yunnan Province, Dehong Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Luxi, Ruili, Longchuan, Yingjiang, Bangwa districts. Also in Myanmar. Alternate names: Aci, Aji, Atshi, Atsi, Atsi-Maru, Atzi, Azi, Szi, Tsaiwa, Xiaoshanhua.  Dialects: Longzhun, Tingzhu, Bengwa. Some consider Pela [bxd] (Bola, Polo, Pala), Lashi [lsi] (Leqi) and Maru [mhx] (Langsu, Langwa) to be dialects of Zaiwa. Related to Hpon [hpo], Achang [acn]. Dialects have only minor phonological differences.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern 
More information.

Zauzou

[zal] 2,100 (Bradley 2007). About 10% monolingual, mainly older adults. Ethnic population: 2,500 (1999 Sun Hongkai). Northwest Yunnan Province, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Lanping County, Tu’e, Biji, Wupijiang, Guoli, Xiaocun and Jiangmo districts; Lushui County, Luzhang, Shuilizhai and Liukuzhen districts and townships. Alternate names: Jaojo, Raorou, Rourou.  Dialects: Bijilan, Wupijiang.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Central 
More information.

Zhaba

[zhb] 7,700 (1995). Southwest Sichuan Province, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yajiang (Nyagquka) County, Zhamai District; Daofu (Dawu) County, Zhaba District; Litang and Xinlong counties. Alternate names: Zaba.  Dialects: Eastern Zhaba, Western Zhaba. Similar to Queyu [qvy].  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Tangut-Qiang, Qiangic 
More information.

Zhuang

[zha] A macrolanguage.  Population total all countries: 14,935,800. 
More information.

Zhuang, Central Hongshuihe

[zch] 1,080,000 (2007). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, either side of central stretch of HSH River, including Du’an, Dahua, Mashan, north Shanglin and possibly other border areas such as east Pingguo. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Dai

[zhd] 120,000 in China (2007). About 50% monolingual. Population total all countries: 120,200. Southeast Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Wenshan County, Matang, Dehou, Laohuilong, Panzhihua, and Kaihua townships; Yanshan County, Pingyuan Township; Guangnan County, Zhulin Township; Maguan, and Malipo (western edge) counties. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Bu Dai, Kau Ndae, Khaau Daai, Thu Lao, Tu, Tuliao, Tuzu, Wen-Ma Southern Zhuang.  Dialects: Most similar language is Nong Zhuang [zhn]. Quite different from most other Southern Zhuang (Central Tai). Lexical similarity: 70% among Nong, Yang [zyg], Yongnan [zyn], Zuojiang [zzj], and Dai [zhd], 65% with Yongbei Zhuang [zyb].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Central 
More information.

Zhuang, Eastern Hongshuihe

[zeh] 1,200,000 (2007). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south of eastern Hongshuihe River and south of Qianjiang River, includes south Shanglin, south Xincheng, south Xingbin, north Guigang, west Guiping and south Wuxuan. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Guibei

[zgb] 1,500,000 (2007). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Longsheng, Sanjiang, Yongfu, Rongan, Rongshui, Luocheng, Huanjiang, Hechi, Nandan, Tian’e, Donglan, Bama. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Guibian

[zgn] 1,000,000 (2007). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Fengshan, Tianlin, Longlin, Xilin, Lingyun, Leyun; Yunnan, Funing, N. Guangnan. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Lianshan

[zln] 33,000 (2007). Guangdong, Lianshan Zhuang, Yao Autonomous prefectures. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Liujiang

[zlj] 1,560,000 (2007). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Liujiang, N. Laibin, Yishan, Liucheng, N. Xincheng. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Liuqian

[zlq] 370,000 (2007). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, east of Liujiang and north of Qianjiang rivers; includes north Wuxuan, Xiangzhou, Luzhai; possibly Pingle, Yangshuo and Hezhou. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Minz

[zgm] 2,600 (2007). Southeast Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Funing County, Langheng District (now part of Tianbeng Township), Sankeshu, Xionggu, Shangmabu, Tianfang, Getao, Gezao, Gecai, Bagan, Na’en, Longnong, Anha villages. Alternate names: Kon Min, Bu Xiong.  Dialects: Most similar language is Nong Zhuang [zhn].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Central 
More information.

Zhuang, Nong

[zhn] 500,000 (2007). Less than 50% monolingual. Ethnic population: 600,000. Southeast Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central and west Guangnan, east Yanshan, north Wenshan, Maguan, Xichou, Malipo counties. A few in Funing and Qiubei counties. Alternate names: Kau Nong, Khaau Nong, Nong hua, Phu Nong, Phu Tei, Yan-Guang Southern Zhuang, Zhuangyu Nanbu fanyan Yan-Guang tuyu.  Dialects: Western Guangnan, Liancheng. Most similar languages: Yang Zhuang [zyg], Tày [tyz], Min Zhuang [zgm]. Some Tày dialects near Viet Nam-Yunnan border reportedly mutually intelligible with Nong Zhuang. Lexical similarity 70% between Nong, Yang [zyg], Yongnan [zyn], Zuojiang [zzj], and Dai [zhd], 65% with Yongbei Zhuang [yzb]. Dialects mutually intelligible, but Nong Zhuang is not mutually intelligible with Dai Zhuang, Min Zhuang, Yang Zhuang or Guibian Zhuang. Lexical similarity 65% with Northern Zhuang [ccx].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Central 
More information.

Zhuang, Qiubei

[zqe] 200,000 (2007). Southeast Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Qiubei western edge of Guangnan County; Qujing Municipal Prefecture, Shizong and Luoping counties. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Yang

[zyg] 870,000 in China (2000). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, most Zhuang populations of Jingxi, Debao, and Napo counties; Yunnan Province, Funing County, scattered in Bo’ai, Xinhua, Zhesang, Dongbo, Guichao, Banlun townships and districts. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: De-Jing Vernacular of the Southern Dialect of the Zhuang Language, Dejing Zhuang, Gen Yang, Jingxi Zhuang, Nung Giang, Tianbao, Tuhua, Yangyu, Zhuangyu Nanbu fangyan Dejing tuyu.  Dialects: Yang (Yangyu, Tuhua), Tianbao (Tianpao, Dianbao), Fouh (Fu), Cuengh (Zong), Sengh (Sheng), Caj coux (Zouzhou, Jiazhou). Most similar languages are Nong Zhuang [zhn], Zuojiang Zhuang [zzj], Yongnan Zhuang [zyn], and other Nung languages of Viet Nam. Lexical similarity: 70% between Nong Zhuang [zhn], Yang [zyg], Yongnan [zyn], Zuojiang, and Dai [zhd], 65% with Northern Zhuang [ccx].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Central 
More information.

Zhuang, Yongbei

[zyb] 1,980,000 (2007). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, N. Yongning, Hengxian, Bingyang, Wuming, Pingguo. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Yongnan

[zyn] 1,800,000 in China (2000 J. Edmondson). About 50% monolingual. Population total all countries: 1,810,000. South Guangxi, south Yongning, Longan, Fusui, Shangsi, Qinzhou and Fangcheng counties; some in Jingxi County; Yunnan, Funing County. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Bou Rau, Long An, Long’an, Nung An, Southern Zhuang, Yongnan Vernacular of the Southern Dialect of the Zhuang Language, Zhuangyu nanbu fangyan Yongnan tuyu.  Dialects: Most similar languages are Zuojiang Zhuang [zzj] (Nung Chao), Yongbei Zhuang [zyb], Yang Zhuang [zyg] (Nung Giang), and other Nung languages of Viet Nam. Lexical similarity: 70% between Nong [zhn], Yang [zyg], Yongnan [zyn], Zuojiang [zzj], and Dai [zhd], 65% with Northern Zhuang [ccx].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Central 
More information.

Zhuang, Youjiang

[zyj] 870,000 (2007). Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Tiandong, Tianyang, Baise. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Northern 
More information.

Zhuang, Zuojiang

[zzj] 1,500,000 in China (2000 census). Population total all countries: 1,840,000. Southwest Guangxi Province, Tiandeng, Daxin, Chongzuo, Ningming, Longzhou and Pingxiang Jingxi counties; Yunnan Province, Funing County, a few villages. Also in Viet Nam. Alternate names: Longzhou, Longyin, Ken Tho, Pho Thai, Pu Tho, Southern Zhuang, Zhuangyu nanbu fangyan Zuojiang tuyu.  Dialects: Most similar languages are Yang Zhuang [zyg], Yongnan Zhuang [zyn], Nong Zhuang [zhn], and other Nung languages of Viet Nam. Lexical similarity: 70% between Nong [zhn], Yang [zyg], Yongnan, Zuojiang [zzj], and Dai [zhd], 65% with Yongbei Zhuang [ccx].  Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Central 
More information.

Zokhuo

[yzk] 13,000 (2007), decreasing. Yunnan Province, southeast Wenshan, south Yanshan counties. Alternate names: Cowtail Phula, Nimitso, Niuweiba Phula, Phula, Ruoke, Tshokha, Zekhe, Zuoke.  Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmic, Ngwi, Southeastern 
More information.

This web edition of the Ethnologue contains all the content of the print edition and may be cited as:
Lewis, M. Paul (ed.), 2009. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Sixteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/.

  Ethnologue: Web  |  Ethnologue: Print  |  Bibliography  |  Publications Catalog  |  Software  
  Who we are  |  Shopping cart  |  Site search  |  Site map  |  Home  

Contact us

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | External links
Copyright © 2009 SIL International (formerly known as the Summer Institute of Linguistics)


相关的主题文章:

No comments:

Post a Comment