China

[yif] Yunnan Province, Shuangbai, Yimen, Eshan, and Lufeng counties. 35,000 (2003). Status: 6b (Threatened). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality. Traditional religion.

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[aib] 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. 6,570 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). 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, others an Iranian language heavily influenced by Uyghur. Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Eastern Comments: Officially classified within Uyghur nationality, but do not intermarry with ethnic Uyghur. Muslim (Sunni).

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[ahk] Southwest Yunnan, Xishuangbanna and Simao prefectures. 240,000 in China (Bradley 2007), increasing. Ethnic population: 240,000 (Bradley 2007). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ahka, Aini, Aka, Ak’a, Ekaw, Ikaw, Ikor, Kaw, Kha Ko, Khako, Khao Kha Ko, Ko, Yani Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southern Comments: Officially classified within Hani nationality. Traditional religion, Christian.

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[yna] Yunnan Province, north Wuding, Luquan, and Yuanmou counties; Sichuan Province, Huili and Miyi counties. 25,000 (2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 40,000 (Bradley 2007). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Gan Yi, Laka, Lila, Niluo, Yala Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Northern

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[aou] West central Guizhou Province, Qianxi county, Xintian, Shawo, and Lannigou villages; Zhijin county, Longjia village; Dafang county, Jindi village. 50 (2011 SIL). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: |Auo, Ayo Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kra, Western Kra

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[yiu] Yunnan Province, primarily north Honghe prefecture, Mile and Luxi counties; south Qujing prefecture, Shizong and Luoping counties. 20,000 (2002). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Luowu, Luwu Dialects: Northern Awu, Southern Awu. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Northern Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality. Traditional religion, Christian.

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[yyz] Yunnan Province, Shilin county, Beidacun district, mainly in Aimalong village; also other villages of Beidacun and Banqiao districts. 50 (2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 2,000 (Bradley 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Northern

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[yiz] Yunnan Province, Mile county: Xun Jian, Wushan, and 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. 54,000 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 60,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality. Traditional religion.

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[bfc] Northwest Yunnan, Nujiang and Lanping. 40,000 (2003). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bijang Bai, Laemae, Lama, Leme Dialects: Lanping, Nujiang. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Bai Comments: Officially classified within Bai nationality. Classification difficult due to heavy borrowing (60%–70%) from Chinese. It is considered genetically related to Chinese, or a mixed language with Chinese, or related to Yi, or an independent branch of Tibeto-Burman. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Daoist.

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[bqh] North central Sichuan Province, Pingwu, Jiuzhaigou, and Songpan counties; Gansu Province, Wenxian county. 10,000 (Bradley 2007). Older adults and a few middle aged are monolingual. Ethnic population: 14,000 (Bradley 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bai Ma, Pe Dialects: Northern Baima (Wenxian Baima), Southern Baima (Pingwu Baima), Western Baima (Jiuzhaigou Baima, Songpan Baima). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Baima Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality (1951). The Baima clan has a distinct ethnic identity from other Tibetans. Classified Tibetan, though some scholars consider it in the Tibeto-Burman language family, Qiangic subgroup. Traditional religion.

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[bmt] Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Mengshan, Zhaoping, Pingle, Lipu, and Gongcheng counties. 20,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Biao Mien, Biaoman, Biao-Mian, 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 Comments: Officially classified within Yao nationality. Daoist.

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[bzi] Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Menghai county, Mengzhe township, Manghong village cluster, one village: Laopinzhai. Also in Thailand. 240 in China (Xu Shixuan 2005). No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 240. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Laopin, Lawa, Lua, Mbi, Mibisu, Misu, Pin Dialects: Dakao, Huaipa, Lanmeng. Similar to Mpi [mpz], Pyen [pyy], and Phunoi [pho]. Some dialect differences based on Lü [khb] versus Lahu [lhu] loanwords. Lexical similarity: 36% with Hani [hni], 32% with Lahu [lhu], 31% with Lisu [lis]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southern Comments: Some officially classified within Hani nationality, others officially classified as Undetermined Nationality. Some view Bisu as an important link to their culture and hope to preserve it. Traditional religion.

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[blr] Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Menghai county, Bulangshan, Bada, Xiding, and Daluo districts; Jinghong county, Damengnong district. Also in Myanmar, Thailand. 42,000 in China (2000 census). Population total all countries: 55,200. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bulang, K’ala, Kawa, Kontoi, Plang, Pula, Pulang Dialects: Kem Degne, Phang. 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 Plang, but is closely related to Plang and Wa [wbm]. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Waic, Bulang Comments: Officially classified within Blang nationality, which includes Plang, U, Parauk, Samtao [stu] and Kon Keu [kkn] languages. Buddhist (Hinayana), Christian.

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[ply] Far west Guangxi on the Guizhou and Yunnan borders, Xilin and Longlin counties, in 2 groups. Possibly in Yunnan. 500 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 1,770 (Bradley 2007). Status: 8a (Moribund). 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 Comments: Officially classified within Gelao nationality. Ethnonym: Lai in Chinese. Traditional religion.

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[pcc] 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 (Giáy), Viet Nam (Giáy). 2,600,000 in China (2000 census). Population total all countries: 2,649,200. Ethnic population: 2,945,000 (2000 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bo-I, Bui, Buyei, Buyi, Buyui, Chung-Chia, Dioi, Giay, Pui, Pu-I, Pujai, Pu-Jui, Puyi, Puyoi, Shuihu, Tujia, Zhongjia Dialects: Qiannan (Bouyei 1, Southern Guizhou), Qianxi (Bouyei 3, Western Guizhou), Qianzhong (Bouyei 2, Central Guizhou). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Northern Comments: Officially classified within Bouyei nationality. Ethnonym: Giay in Viet Nam. Quinnan hua (Quinnan speech) also refers to a dialect of southwestern Mandarin spoken in Guizhou, and should not be confused with the Qiannan Bouyei dialect. Traditional religion, Daoist, Buddhist.

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[bvp] Yunnan Province, Honghe and Yi autonomous prefectures, Jinping Miao-Yao-Dai autonomous county, Mengla district, Manzhang-Shangzhai and Mangzhang-Xiazhai villages. 200 (2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Manzhang Dai Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Waic, Bulang Comments: Though the Bumang are classified as being part of the official Dai nationality, their language is unlike the other 3 Dai language groups in their home county.

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[pnu] East Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jinxiu Yao autonomous county. 1,080 (1999 Mao Zongwu). 270 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,500 (Bradley 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). 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 Comments: Officially classified within Yao nationality. Ethnonym: Hualan Yao by Han Chinese, Patterned Blue Yao (from womens’ traditional dress). Bunu is a cover term for separate languages. Daoist, traditional religion.

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[buh] Northeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Xing’an and Longsheng counties. 9,720 (McConnell 1995). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Pu No, Punu, Younuo, Yuno, Yunuo Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Bunu Comments: Officially classified within Yao nationality. Bunu is a cover term for several separate languages (Strecker 1989). Daoist.

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[bgk] Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Mengla county. 200 in China (1994). Ethnic population: 500 (Bradley 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Boxing, Buxing, Buxing Khmu, Khabit, Pasing, Phsin, Phsing Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Khao Comments: Traditional religion.

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[yzg] Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang-Miao autonomous prefecture, Funing county, Gula township, 6 villages: E’cun, Maguan, Dugan, Zhelong, Nada, and Longna. 600 (Li Jinfang 1997). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Buozaang, Buyang Zhuang, Eastern Buyang, Funing Buyang, Langjia Buyang Dialects: Lexical similarity: 78% with Langnian Buyang [yln], yet not intelligible despite frequent contact, 63% with Yerong (Yalang Buyang) [yrn], 48% with Baha Buyang [yha]. Also reportedly quite similar to En [enc] (200 speakers) of Northern Vietnam. (Li Jinfang 2006). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kra, Eastern Kra Comments: Officially classified within Zhuang nationality. Traditional religion.

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[cov] Southeast Guizhou Province, Liping county; southwest Hunan Province, Tongdao Dong autonomous county; northeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sanjiang Dong autonomous county, near South Dong, small villages. 63,600 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Grass Miao, Mjiuniang, Sanjiang Miao Dialects: Lexical similarity: with Northern Dong [doc] and sometimes referred to as a special dialect of Dong. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality. Traditional religion.

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[ych] Yunnan Province, northwest Xinping, southeast Shuangbai, and southwest Eshan counties. 3,300 (2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 6,600 (Bradley 2007). Status: 7 (Shifting). Dialects: Related to Samtao [stu]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Northern

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[csl] Ethnic population: 20,040,000 deaf persons in China (2006 China Disabled Persons’ Federation). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: China Coast Pidgin, Zhongguo Shouyu Dialects: Southern Chinese Sign Language (Shanghai Sign Language). Few signs of foreign origin. Negative clauses share similarity with British Sign Language. Classification: Deaf sign language Comments: Developed late 1980s. There are also Chinese character signs. Others use home sign languages. Not influenced by American Sign Language [ase]. 550 schools for the deaf, 77 schools for the deaf and the blind. In addition to signs, Chinese Sign Language also uses an alphabetic spelling system (analogous to pinyin in Mandarin [cmn]) and can signify tones with facial gestures. Shanghai Sign Language is the prestige dialect.

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[hak] Widespread with other dialects. Greatest concentration in east and northeast Guangdong Province; also in west and southwest Fujian, south Jiangxi, Guangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, and Hainan provinces. Also in Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, South Africa, Suriname, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States. 25,700,000 in China (1984). Population total all countries: 30,082,810. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Hakka, Hokka, Ke, Kechia, Kejia, Majiahua, Tu Guangdonghua, Xinminhua Dialects: Changting, Hailu, Huayang, Huizhou, Ning-Long (Longnan), Pingdong, Tingzhou (Min-Ke), Tonggu, Yuebei, Yue-Tai (Meixian, Raoping, Taiwan Kejia), Yuezhong, Yugui. Yue-Tai (Meixian) is standard dialect. Lexical similarity: with Gan Chinese [gan]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese Comments: Majority officially classified within Han nationality.

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[cjy] Mainly Shaanxi Province; some in west Hebei and Henan provinces. 45,000,000 (1995). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Jin, Jinyu Dialects: Changzhi, Pingyao. 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 Comments: Majority officially classified within Han nationality.

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[mnp] North Fujian Province, 7 counties around Jian’ou. Also in Singapore. 10,300,000 in China (1984). Population total all countries: 10,304,000. Status: 5 (Developing). 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 Comments: Majority officially classified within Han nationality. Buddhist, Daoist, Christian.

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[nan] South Fujian, Guangdong, south Hainan, south Zhejiang, and south Jiangxi provinces. Xiamen in south Fujian and Jiangxi provinces; Hainan in Hainan; Leizhou on Leizhou peninsula of southwest Guangdong Province; Chao-Shan in far east corner of Guangdong Province in Chaozhou-Shantou area; Longdu is a dialect island around Zhongshan city and Shaxi in Guangdong Province, south of Guangzhou; Zhenan Min in southeast Zhejiang Province around Pingyang and Cangnan and on Zhoushan archipelago of northeast Zhejiang Province. Also in Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States. 25,700,000 in China (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). 3% of the population, including 1,000,000 Xiamen dialect (1988 census), 6,000,000 Quanzhou dialect (Quanzhoushi Fangyan Zhi). Population total all countries: 46,757,560. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Minnan, Southern Min Dialects: Chao-Shan (Chaozhou, Choushan, Teochew), Hainan (Hainanese, Qiongwen Hua, Wenchang), Leizhou (Lei Hua, Li Hua), Longdu, Quanzhou (Chinchew), Xiamen (Amoy), Zhangzhou (Changchew), Zhenan Min. Amoy is the prestige dialect. Amoy and Taiwanese are easily mutually intelligible. Chao-Shan has difficult intelligibility with Amoy; Hainan quite different from other dialects. Most speakers in Thailand use Chaoshou dialect. Min Nan most widely distributed and influential Min variety. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese Comments: Majority officially classified within Han nationality. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian, Daoist.

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[cpx] East central Fujian Province, Putian and Xianyou counties. Also in Malaysia, Singapore. 2,520,000 in China (2000). Population total all countries: 2,558,800. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Henghua, Hinghua, Hsienyu, Hsinghua, Putian, Putten, Xianyou, Xinghua Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese Comments: Majority officially classified within Han nationality.

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[hsn] Hunan Province, Sichuan Province, over 20 counties; parts of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangdong Province. Also in United States. 36,000,000 in China (1984). Population total all countries: 36,000,290. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Hsiang, Hunan, Hunanese, Xiang Dialects: Changsha, Changyi, Jishou, Jishu, Jixu, Loudi, Luoshao, Shaoyang, Xupu, Yiyang. Linguistically between Mandarin [cmn] and Wu [wuu] Chinese and marginally intelligible with them. Becoming more similar to (southwestern) Mandarin [cmn] and is losing non-northern features. 3 main dialect groups: Changyi (includes Changsha and Yiyang), Luoshao (includes Loudi and Shaoyang), and Jixu (Jishu) (includes Xupu and Jishou). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese Comments: Majority officially classified within Han nationality.

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[cda] South Gansu Province, east Gannan prefecture, Lintan, Zhuoni, Diebu, and Zhouqu counties. 154,000 (2004). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Chona, Chone, Cone, Jone, Zhuoni Dialects: Hbrugchu (Zhouqu), Thewo (Diebu). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, Central Bodish Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality.

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[mhu] Southeast Tibet Autonomous Region, Chayu (Zayü) county along Dulai river valley, Xiazayu, Qu’antong, and Gayao townships, Nyingchi prefecture. 850 in China (1999 Sun Hong Kai). 750 are monolingual. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Darang, Darang Dengyu, Digaro, Digaro-Mishmi Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Central Tibeto-Burman, Digarish Comments: Some Chinese scholars believe them to be in the Jingpo branch. Officially classified as Undetermined Nationality. Traditional religion.

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[doc] Area where west Hunan Province and north Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region meet, southeast Guizhou (Yuping autonomous county); Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 20 contiguous counties. Also in Viet Nam. 463,000 in China (2003). Status: 6b (Threatened). 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, 22% with Lachi [lbt], 6% with Hmong Njua [hnj], 4% with Iu Mien [ium]. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui Comments: Officially classified within Dong nationality. Ethnic autonym: Kam; Dong is the Chinese name. Traditional way of life relatively undisturbed. Traditional religion.

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[sce] Southwest Gansu Province, Linxia Hui autonomous prefecture, 7 counties and a city; Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, Yining and Huocheng counties. 200,000 (Bradley 2007). 80,000 monolinguals. Half in Suonanba dialect. Ethnic population: 514,000 (Bradley 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Santa, Tung, Tunghsiang Dialects: Sijiaji, Suonanba (Xiaonan), Wangjiaji. Some intelligibility with Bonan [peh]. Minor dialect differences in pronunciation and borrowed words. Suonanba considered the standard. Classification: Altaic, Mongolic, Eastern, Mongour Comments: Officially classified within Dongxiang nationality. 30% of vocabulary borrowed from Chinese. Muslim (Sunni).

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[giw] North central Guizhou Province, Zunyi county, Jianshan village; Zhijin county, Agong village; Langdai county, Zhuijiao and Ruojiao villages; Guanling county, Dingyinxiao village. Also in Guangxi Province, Longlin county, Muji village. Tu’lu is spoken in Yunnan Province, Malipo. Also in Viet Nam (White Gelao). 1,200 in China (1987 Z. Guo-qiao). Population total all countries: 1,220. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bai Gelo, White Gelao Dialects: Tu’lu. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kra, Western Kra

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[eee] North Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Rongshui Hmong autonomous county, Yongle district, Xiatan, Simo, Xinglong (Xingyou) and other villages; Luocheng Mulam autonomous county border areas. 30,000 (Edmondson 1992). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Eahua, Kjang E, “Wuse Hua” (pej.), “Wusehua” (pej.) Dialects: A mixed language, with large amounts of Tuguai Hua (also called Pinghua, a Yue Chinese [yue] dialect) and Guiliu Hua (a southwest Mandarin [cmn] dialect) vocabulary, tone category, voice quality, and some word structure. The grammar has been more resistant to Chinese influence. Chinese scholars consider E a mixture of Northern Zhuang languages, Mulam [mlm], Dong [doc] and Chinese. Classification: Mixed language Comments: Ethnic autonym: E. Classified as Zhuang nationality in China, but Northern Zhuang languages are not used. Traditional religion.

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[ers] South central Sichuan Province, 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. 20,000 (Shearer and Sun Hong Kai 2002), decreasing. Eastern Ersu (Ersu) 13,000, Central Ersu (Duoxu) 10 or less, Western Ersu (Lizu) 4000. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Bu’erci, Bu’erzi, Bu’erzi Ersu, Doxu, Duoxu, Erhsu, Lizu, Lusu, T’osu Dialects: Duoxu (Central Ersu), Ersu (Eastern Ersu), Lisu (Liru, Lüzü, Western Ersu). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Ersuish Comments: Most officially classified within Tibetan nationality; some as Han nationality. Traditional religion.

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[hmj] East central Guizhou Province, Huangping county, Chong’an township; Kaili municipality, Longchang township. 60,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Chonganjiang Miao, Ge Jia, Gedang, Gedong, Gedou, Gedou Miao, Gedoudiu, Gedu, Gejia, Ge-Mong, Gho-mhon, Keh Deo Dialects: Not inherently intelligible with other varieties of Miao. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian Comments: Officially within Miao nationality but given special status as Gejia in Guizhou Province. Traditional religion.

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[mxj] Southeast corner of Tibet Autonomous Region, Chayu (Zayü) county, Nyingchi prefecture, several townships, on tablelands either side of lower reaches of Chayu (Zayü) river in their own small villages. 200 in China (1999 Sun Hong Kai), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kaman, Keman, Miji, Miju, Mishmi Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Central Tibeto-Burman, Mijish Comments: Officially classified as Undetermined nationality. Some Chinese linguists believe the language to be similar to Jingpo [kac]. Traditional religion.

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[gro] Chambi Valley, between Sikkim and Bhutan, Tibet Autonomous Region. Also in India. 12,800 in China (1993). Population total all countries: 26,800. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tromowa Dialects: Lower Groma, Upper Groma. Possible dialects or related languages: Spiti, Tomo (Chumbi). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, Central Bodish, Central, Southern Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality. Traditional religion, Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[giq] North central Guizhou Province, Renhuai county, Anliang and Taiyang villages; Zunyi county, Qinglong village; Qingzhen county, Maixiang village; Zhenning county, Huajiangzhen and Ma’ao villages; Qinglong county, Liangshuiyang; Guanling county, Dingying village. Also in Guangxi Province, Longlin county, Sanchong village. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Hakei Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kra, Western Kra

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[lic] Central and southern Hainan Province, Wanning, Tunchang, Danxiang, Chengmai, Baisha. 667,000 (1999 O. Jueya). 160,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,248,000 (2000 census) including approximately 52,300 Jiamao [jio] speakers. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bli, Dai, Day, Dli, Klai, La, Lai, Le, Li, Loi, Slai Dialects: Bendi (Baisha-Yuanmen, Local Li, Zwn), Ha (Luohua-Hayan-Baoxian), Meifu (Moifau), Qi (Gei, Tongshi-Qiandui-Baocheng). Some dialects may be separate languages. Matisoff (1988) lists 8 varieties: Baoding, Xifang, Tongshi, Baisha, Qiandiu, Heitu, Yuanmen, and Baocheng. Luowo subdialect of Ha dialect is considered the standard. Lexical similarity: 27% with Gelao, 26% with Dong [doc] and Qabiao [laq], 25% with Lachi [lbt]. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Hlai Comments: Officially classified within Li nationality, together with speakers of Jiamao [jio]. Traditional culture. Traditional religion.

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[hmn] Population total all countries: 7,708,420. Comments: Member languages are: Central Huishui Miao [hmc], Central Mashan Miao [hmm], Chuanqiandian Cluster Miao [cqd], Eastern Huishui Miao [hme], Eastern Qiandong Miao [hmq], Eastern Xiangxi Miao [muq], Ge [hmj], Hmong Daw [mww], Hmong Njua [hnj] (Laos), Horned Miao [hrm], Large Flowery Miao [hmd], Luopohe Miao [hml], Northern Guiyang Miao [huj], Northern Huishui Miao [hmi], Northern Mashan Miao [hmp], Northern Qiandong Miao [hea], Sinicized Miao [hmz], Small Flowery Miao [sfm], Southern Guiyang Miao [hmy], Southern Mashan Miao [hma], Southern Qiandong Miao [hms], Southwestern Guiyang Miao [hmg], Southwestern Huishui Miao [hmh], Western Mashan Miao [hmw], Western Xiangxi Miao [mmr]

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[hnj] Southeast Yunnan Province, Maguan and Malipo counties. 40,000 in China (Hattaway 2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Blue Hmong, Blue Meo, Ching Miao, Green Hmong, Green Meo, Hmong Leng, Hmong Nzhua, Hmoob Leeg, Lu Miao, Meo Dam, Meo Lai, Mong Leng, Mong Ntsua, Qing Miao, Tak Miao Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality, but unique in culture and language from other Miao groups.

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[ero] Sichuan Province, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Daofu (rTau, sTau, Dawu), Luhuo, Xinlong (Brag-’go), Danba (Rong-brag), and Xinlong (Nyagrong) counties. 45,000 (Shearer and Sun Hong Kai 2002). 15,000 monolinguals. sTau: 23,000, Geshitsa: 21,000, Nyagrong-Minyak: 1,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bawang, Bopa, Danba, Daofu, Daofuhua, Dawu, Ergong, Geshitsa, Geshiza, Geshizahua, Hor, Hórsók, Huo’er, Nyagrong-Minyag, Pawang, Rgu, rTau, sTau, Western Gyarong, Western Jiarong, Xinlong-Muya Dialects: Geshitsa (Geshiza), Nyagrong-Minyag (Xinlong-Muya), sTau (Daofu, Dawu, rTau). The dialects of Horpa reportedly are not mutually intelligible. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, rGyalrongic Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality. Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[ili] Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, Tekes, Nilka, Xinyuan, Gongliu, Zhaosu, and other counties, Ili valley near Kuldja. Also in Kazakhstan. 120 in China (1980 R. Hahn), decreasing. The language of about 30 families (Salminen 2007). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Ili Turk, Tuerke, Tu’erke, T’urk Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Eastern Comments: Ethnically and linguistically distinct, discovered in 1956. Their oral history says they came from the Ferghana Valley (Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan) about 200 years ago. Officially classified within Uzbek nationality. Muslim (Sunni).

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[jio] South Hainan Province, Baoting, Lingshui, and Qiongzhong counties, near Wuzhi mountain. 52,300 (Wurm et al. 1987). Status: 6a (Vigorous). 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 Comments: Officially classified within Li nationality, together with Hlai [lic] speakers. Traditional religion.

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[kac] West Yunnan Province, Dehong Dai-Jingpo autonomous prefecture, Yingjiang, Longchuan, and Ruili counties; Baoshan prefecture,Tengchong county. 40,000 in China (1999 X. Xijian). 50% monolingual. Ethnic population: 132,000 including Atsi [atb], Maru [mhx] and Lashi [lsi] speakers (2000 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chingpaw, Chingp’o, Dashanhua, Jinghpaw, Jingpo, Kachin, Marip Dialects: Dulong, Dzili (Jili), Enkun (Nkhum, Nkhumka), Hkaku (Hka-Hku), Kauri (Gauri, Hkauri, Kauri, Kauzhika, Khauri), Mengzhi, Shidan (Satanka, Xidan). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Jingpho-Luish, Jingpho Comments: Officially classified within Jingpho nationality, which also includes Zaiwa [atb], Maru [mhx], and Lashi [lsi] speakers. Kachin refers to the cultural rather than the linguistic group. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.

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[jiu] South Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, near Laos and Myanmar borders, east of Jinghong. Youle mountains. 40 villages. 10,000 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: All Jinuo: 20,900 (Bradley 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Jino, Youle Dialects: Youle and Buyuan dialects not mutually inherently intelligible. Chinese used to communicate. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Jinuo nationality. Traditional religion.

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[ktp] Yunnan Province, primarily southeast Simao prefecture, Pu’er, Mojiang, and Jiangcheng counties. Also in Laos. 180,000 in China (Bradley 2007), increasing. Many monolinguals. Population total all countries: 185,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Khatu Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southern Comments: Officially classified within Hani nationality. Different from Kadu [zkd] in Myanmar.

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[kyp] Southwest Yunnan Province. 34,100 in China (1993). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tai Khang Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui Comments: Officially classified within Dai nationality. Related ethnic groups, dialects, or languages in the area: Chang Teo Fah, Kentse, Mengka (Mengkah).

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[ykt] Yunnan Province, Guangnan county, Balong district. Possibly in Guangxi Province. 5,000 (2007), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Gasu Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern

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[kaz] Northern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Yili Kazakh autonomous prefecture; eastern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Mulei Kazakh autonomous county, Balikun Kazakh autonomous county; northwest Gansu Province, Akesai Kazakh autonomous county; northwest Qinghai Province. 1,250,000 in China (2000 census). 85% are monolingual. 830,000 Northeastern Kazakh, 70,000 Southwestern Kazakh (1982). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Hazake, Kazak, Kazax Dialects: Northeastern Kazakh, Southwestern Kazakh. Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Western, Aralo-Caspian Comments: Officially classified within Kazak nationality. Muslim (Sunni), traditional religion.

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[kjh] Heilongjiang Province, Fuyu county, north of Qiqihar. 10 in China (Salminen 2007). Ethnic population: 880. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Abakan Tatar, Fuyü Gïrgïs, Fuyu Ka’erkezi, Hakasi, Khakhas, Khakhass, Manchurian Kirghiz, Yenisei Tatar Dialects: Beltir, Kacha, Kamassian, Kyzyl, Sagai, Shor. Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Northern Comments: Officially classified within Kyrghyz nationality. Buddhist (Lamaist), traditional religion.

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[kjg] Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Jinghong county, 9 villages, some in Mengla county. 1,600 in China (1990). Status: 6b (Threatened). 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’ Comments: Officially classified as Undetermined Nationality.

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[mji] Yunnan Province, 17 counties; Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 13 counties; Hainan Province, 7 counties. Also in Laos, Viet Nam. 200,000 in China (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). 61,000 in Hainan Province (2000 census). Population total all countries: 374,500. Status: 6a (Vigorous). 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 Ho, Dao Quan Trang. Not intelligible with Iu Mien [ium]. Lexical similarity: 78% with Iu Mien [ium], 67% with Biao-Jiao Mien [bje], 59% with Dzao Min [bpn]. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin Comments: Officially classified within Yao nationality, except on Hainan Island, where speakers are officially classified within Miao nationality. The largest Yao group after Iu Mien. Daoist.

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[kor] 60% of Korean speakers live in Jilin (Kirin) Province, in Yanbian (Hyanbian) Korean autonomous prefecture; 20% live in Heilongjiang Province; 13% in Liaoning Province; some in Beijing Municipality, Hebei and Shandong provinces, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. 1,920,000 in China (2000 census). 1,200,000 monolinguals. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Chaoxian, Hanguohua Classification: Language isolate Comments: Officially classified as Korean (Chaoxian) nationality. Buddhist, Christian.

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[yku] Yunnan Province, Heqing county, Liuhe township. 1,000 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Similar to Sonaga [ysg] and Kua-nsi [ykn]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality.

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[lkc] Central Yunnan Province, Jinping, Luchun, Jiangcheng, Mengla, Yuanjiang, Xinping, Jinggu, and other counties. 40,000 in China (Bradley 2007), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Cosung, Lahlu Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Lahu nationality.

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[kir] West and southwest Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Wuqia, Akqi, Akto, Tekes, Zhaosu, Baicheng, and Wushi counties. 160,000 in China (2000 census). Older adults monolingual. 60,000 Northern Kirghiz, 40,000 Southern Kirghiz (Shearer and Sun Hong Kai 2002). Ethnic population: 161,000 (2000 census). Status: 2 (Provincial). Statutory provincial language in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (1984, Ethnic Regional Autonomy Act, Articles 10 and 21). Alternate Names: Kara, Ke’erkez, Kirgiz Dialects: Northern Kyrgyz, Southern Kyrgyz. Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Western, Aralo-Caspian Comments: Officially classified within Kyrghyz nationality. Muslim (Sunni), traditional religion.

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[lbj] Western Tibet Autonomous Region. 12,000 in China (1995). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ladak, Ladaphi, Ladhakhi, Ladwags Dialects: Leh (Central Ladakhi), Nubra Ladakhi, Shamma (Lower Ladakhi, Sham, Shamskat). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, Central Bodish, Western Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality. Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[lhi] 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. 117,000 in China (Bradley 2007), increasing. Few monolinguals. Population total all countries: 196,200. Ethnic population: 120,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kur, Kwi, Lahu Xi, Shi, Yellow Lahu Dialects: Bakeo, Banlan. Most similar to Lahu [lhu]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Lahu nationality.

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[ywt] West Yunnan Province, in Weishan, Fengqing, Midu, Changning, Jingdong, Nanjian, Yangbi, and Yunlong counties. 213,000 (2010 SIL). Over 500,000 in subgroup; many living further west, south or east do not speak the language; less than half are speakers, not all fluent and not many children (Bradley 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Lalo, Lalopa, Laluo, Misapa, Xishanba Lalo Dialects: Not intelligible with other Lalo languages. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality, Western Yi dialect. Traditional religion.

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[yit] Yunnan Province, in Xinping, Zhenyuan, Mojiang, and Yuanjiang counties. 38,000 (2002). Status: 7 (Shifting). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality.

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[lay] Yunnan Province, Lanping Bai Pumi autonomous county, on both banks of the Lancang river, in the mid-mountain areas in Hexi district, Lajing town. 60,000 (1995). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Lan-Bi Bai, Northern Bai Dialects: Dialect or closely related language to Nora [nrr]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Central Tibeto-Burman, Nungish

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[yne] Yunnan Province, southwest Yongsheng county. 2,000 (2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: La’u Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central

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[lsi] Yunnan Province, Dehong Dai-Jingpo autonomous prefecture, Luxi, Longchuan, Yingjiang, and Ruili counties. 1,800 in China (1997). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Acye, Chashanhua, Lachikwaw, Laji, Laqi, Lasi, Leqi, Leshi, Letsi Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Burmish, Northern Comments: Officially classified within Jingpo nationality; intermixed with others of Jingpo nationality who use other languages, but call themselves Le Chi (Tshi).

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[lwu] Yunnan Province, Yuxi prefecture, Xinping county, Shuitang district, Jiuha village. Possibly some speakers in Yunnan Province, Pu’er prefecture, Zhenyuan county, Jijujia district. 50 (2012 C. Yang). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Dialects: Related to Central Lalo [ywt], Kucong [lkc], Lahu [lhu], and Lisu [lis]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified with Lahu nationality.

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[lhm] Tibet Autonomous Region. 1,000 in China. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Lhoket, Shing Saapa Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, Central Bodish, Central, gTsang Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality. Traditional religion, Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[onb] Hainan Province, north central coast, Lingao county, parts of Danxian, Chengmai, and Qiongshan counties, Haikou city suburbs. 600,000 (2000 Liang Min). 100,000 monolinguals. 350,000 Lincheng, 170,000 Qiongshan. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bê, Limkow, Linkow, Ongbe, Ong-Be, Vo Limkou Dialects: Lincheng (Lingao Proper-Dengmai), Qiongshan. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Lakkja Comments: Officially classified within Han nationality. Traditional religion, Daoist, Buddhist.

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[lis] West Yunnan Province, 11 prefectures, 63 counties, upper reaches of Salween and Mekong rivers; Sichuan Province, southwest Liangshan prefecture. Also in India, Myanmar, Thailand. 600,000 in China (2000 census), increasing. Population total all countries: 942,700. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Chedi, Cheli, Chung, Khae, Leisu, Leshuoopa, Lesuo, Li, Li-Hsaw, Lip’a, Lisaw, Li-Shaw, Lishu, Liso, Lissu, Loisu, Lusu, Lu-Tzu, 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. Much dialectal variation; some do not understand each other. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Lisu nationality. Traditional religion, Christian.

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[ysp] Yunnan Province, Jingdong, Jinggu, Lancang, Zhenyuan, Simao, and Pu’er counties. 190,000 (2002). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality. Traditional religion.

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[khb] Southern Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, 3 counties: Jinghong (Chiang Hung, Chien Rung), Menghai, and Mengla; also a few in Simao municipal prefecture, Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous counties. Also in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam. 280,000 in China (2000 census). 50% monolingual. Population total all countries: 690,960. Status: 2 (Provincial). Statutory provincial working language in South Yunnan and other places (1984, Ethnic Regional Autonomy Act, Articles 10 and 21). Alternate Names: Dai, Dai Le, Lu, Lue, Ly, Pai’i’, Pai-I, Shui-Pai-I, Sipsongpanna Dai, Tai Lu, Xishuangbanna Dai Dialects: Jinghong. Muang Yong and dialects in northern Thailand may converge phonologically with Northern Thai [nod] (Diller and Juntanamalaga 1990). Low intelligibility with Shan [shn] and Tai Nüa [tdd]. Different from Tai Nüa [tdd], each having their own literary tradition. Lexical similarity: 95% with Northern Thai [nod], 86% with Central Thai [tha], 92%–93% with Shan [shn], 92%–95% with Khün [kkh]. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern Comments: Officially classified within Dai nationality. Traditional Lü script is used in monastaries and reformed version used in some government functions. Traditional religion, Buddhist.

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[clk] 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. 80 in China (1999 Sun Hong Kai). 50 monolinguals. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Chulikata, Idu Lhoba, Idu Mishmi, Lhoba, Lho-Pa, Yidu Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Central Tibeto-Burman, Digarish Comments: Officially classified within Lhoba nationality. Different from Loke (Loba) [loy] in Nepal. 27% attended primary school, 31% have some degree of literacy. Traditional religion, Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[mml] Southwest Yunnan Province, 5 communities in Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture near the Hu. 900 (1990 J-O. Svantesson). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Manmi, Manmit Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic Comments: Reportedly similar to Hu [huo]. Officially classified as Undetermined Nationality. Buddhist, traditional religion.

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[zng] Southeastern Yunnan Province, Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefectures, Jinping county, Mengla district; 4 villages: Nanguo Xin Zhai, Heping Zhong Zhai, Heping Xia Zhai, Dadui Leigongdaniu Zhai. 500 in China. Ethnic population: 1,220 (Bradley 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ba’e, Chaman, Manbu, Mang U, Nieng Ó, Xá Lá Vàng, Xá Mang, Xá Ó, Xamang Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Mang Comments: Officially classified as Undetermined Nationality. Traditional religion.

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[hmc] Central Guizhou Province, Huishui and Changshun counties, suburbs of south Guiyang municipality. 40,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Central Huishui Hmong Dialects: Inherently unintelligible of other Miao varieties. 30 to 40 different Hmong (Miao) languages in China. Great linguistic differences. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality. Traditional religion.

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[cqd] West Guizhou Province, west Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south Sichuan and southeast and northeast Yunnan provinces. 1,400,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Chuanchientien Miao, Chuanqiandian Miao, Core Farwestern Hmongic, Hua Miao, Sichuan-Guizhou-Yunnan Miao, Western Miao Dialects: Bai Miao, Black Hmong, Black Meo, Black Mong, Blue Hmong, Blue Meo, Ching Miao, Chuan Miao, Clear Water Hmong, Dananshan Miao, Dianxi Miao, Downhill Hmong, Flowery Meo, Green Hmong, Green Meo, Hei Miao, Hmong Be, Hmong Bua, Hmong Den, Hmong Dle Ncha, Hmong Dlo, Hmong Dou, Hmong Drout Raol, Hmong La, Hmong Len, Hmong Shi, Hmong Shua Bua, Hmong Sou, Hongxian Miao, Hua Miao, Hwa Miao, Light Hmong, Liuzhai Miao, Lu Miao, Luzhai Miao, Magpie Miao, Meo Dam, Meo Den, Meo Lai, Mong Hoa, Mong La Hou, Mong Leng, Mong Lenh, Mong Shi, Mong Si, Mountain Hmong, Paddyfield Miao, Qing Miao, Qingshui Miao, Red Mong, Red Thread Miao, Red-headed Hmong, River Miao, Sa Pa Hmong, Sichuan Miao, Six Village Miao, Striped Hmong, Tak Miao, Variegated Mong, Western Yunnan Miao, White Miao, Yaque Miao. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian Comments: Consider themselves Miao nationality.

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[hmq] East Guizhou Province, Jianhe, Jinping, and Liping counties; west Hunan Province, Huitong, Jingzhou, and Tongdao counties. 350,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Black Miao, Central Miao, Chientung Miao, Eastern East-Guizhou Miao, Eastern Hmu, Hei Miao, Hmu Dialects: Not intelligible of other Miao varieties. Corresponds more or less to Ma’s Central Miao and Purnell’s Eastern Miao. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Qiandong Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality. Traditional religion.

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[hrm] Northeast Yunnan Province, Zhenxiong county; northwest and central Guizhou Province, Dafang, Nayong, and Zhijin counties, Anshun, Guiyang, Bijie, and Qingzhen municipalities. 50,000 (Hattaway 2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: A-Hmo, Bai Miao, Changjiao Miao, Forest Miao, Hmong Khua Shua Ndrang, Hmong Ndong, Hmong Ndou, Hmong Sou, Jiao Miao, Jiaojiao Miao, Kha-Nzi, Longhorn Miao, Qing Miao, White Miao Dialects: May have inherent intelligibility of Small Flowery Miao [sfm] (Johnson 1998); not inherently intelligible with other Miao varieties. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian Comments: Consider themselves Miao nationality but unique in culture and language from other Miao groups.

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[hml] Central Guizhou Province east of Guiyang, Weng’an, Guiding, Longli, and Kaiyang counties, Fuquan and Kaili municipalities. 61,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Lobohe Miao, Luobo River Miao, Luobohe Hmong, Luopohe Hmong, Xi, Xijia Miao, Ximahe Miao Dialects: 2 dialects. Not inherently intelligible of other Miao varieties. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality, except Xijia group officially classified within She nationality. Traditional religion.

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[hmi] Central Guizhou Province, Guiyang municipality, Gaopo district; Huishui, Longli and Guiding counties. 70,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Northern Huishui Hmong Dialects: Inherently unintelligible of other Miao varieties. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality. Traditional religion.

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[hea] 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 and Qingzhen municipalities; northwest Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Longlin county. 1,250,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995), decreasing. Status: 5 (Developing). 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: Inherently unintelligible of 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 Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality. Traditional religion.

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[hmy] South central Guizhou Province, Changshun, Ziyun, and Zhenning counties, Anshun municipality. 28,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Southern Guiyang Hmong Dialects: Inherently unintelligible of other Miao varieties. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality. Traditional religion.

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[hms] Southeast Guizhou Province, Sandu, Danzhai, Libo, and Rongjiang Congjiang counties; north Guangxi Province, Rongshui and Sanjiang counties. 500,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). All Miao in China: 8,950,000 (2000 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Black Miao, Central Miao, Chientung Miao, Hei Miao, Hmu, Southern East-Guizhou Miao, Southern Hmu Dialects: Inherently unintelligible of other Miao varieties. Corresponds more or less to Ma’s Central Miao and Purnell’s Eastern Miao. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Qiandong Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality. Traditional religion, Christian.

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[hmh] Central Guizhou Province, Huishui, Sandu, and Changshun counties. 56,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Miao, Southwestern Huishui Hmong Dialects: Inherently unintelligible of other Miao varieties. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality. Traditional religion.

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[mmr] Northwest Hunan Province, Huadan, Fenghuang, Baojing, Jishou, Guzhang, Longshan, and 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 Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hechi municipality; Nandan county. 820,000 (Wang Fushi and Mao Zhongwu 1995), decreasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). 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: Inherently unintelligible of other Miao varieties. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Xiangxi Comments: Officially classified within Miao nationality. Traditional religion.

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[yiq] 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, and Yimen counties. 30,000 (Bradley 2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 50,000. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Micha, Mielang, Minqi Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality.

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[twm] Southeast Tibetan Autonomous Region. Southern Cuona: Shannan prefecture, Cuona county, Lebu district; Northern Cuona: Linzhi prefecture, Motuo county, Dexing district, Wenlang village. 1,300 in China (2000 census). Less than half monolingual: Young children, older people, some young adults. 600 Southern Cuona, 700 Northern Cuona. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Buruomiba, Cona Monba, Cuona Menba, Cuona Monpa, Dakpa, Dwags, Menba, Menpa, Moinba, Momba, Mompa, Monba, Monpa, Pramipa, Takpa, Tawan Monba Dialects: Northern Cuona, Southern Cuona. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, East Bodish Comments: Officially classified within Monba nationality, along with Tshangla [tsj] (7,000). Cuona Monba [twm] differs from Tshangla in phonology, vocabulary, and grammar, and is not mutually intelligible. Shares many Tibetan language characteristics. Is the same as, or closely related to, Bumthangkha of Bhutan. May also be classified as North Assam, Monpa. Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[ymd] Yunnan Province, Jinghong county, Nanpianshan district. 2,000 (2007), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Dialects: Related to Mpi [mpz]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southern Comments: Officially classified within Han nationality.

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[ymq] Yunnan Province, south Jinping county. 2 isolated villages. 1,500 (2008), decreasing. Ethnic population: 1,500. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Doka, Mujitsu, Phutsu Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Core Muji subgroup of Highland Phula. Traditional religion.

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[mlm] North central Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hechi prefecture, Luocheng Mulao autonomous county (90% in Dongmen and Siba communes), also Yizhou county. 86,000 (2005 GXLOUS). Fewer than 10,000 monolinguals (including women and preschool children). Ethnic population: 210,000 (2000 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Abo, Kyam, Molao, Mulao, Mulao Miao, Muliao, Mulou Dialects: Similar to Southern Dong [kmc]. Lexical similarity: 65% with Dong (probably Southern Dong [kmc]). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui Comments: Officially classified within Mulao (Mulam) nationality. They live near the Han [haa], Dong [doc], Hmong Njua [hnj], and Iu Mien [ium]. They call themselves Mulam. Some around Luocheng call themselves Kyam. Different from the nearly extinct Western Kra Tai-Kadai language also called Mulao [giu], previously spoken by Gelao nationality people in Guizhou. Traditional religion, Daoist, Buddhist.

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[mvm] West central Sichuan Province, Kangbo (Kangding) and Jiulong (Gyaisi), Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Simian (Shimian) county, Ya’an district. 10,000 (Bradley 2007), decreasing. About 2,000 are monolingual. Ethnic population: 15,000 (Bradley 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Boba, Manyak, Menya, Minyag, Minyak, Miyao, Munya Dialects: Eastern Muya, Western Muya. Dialects reportedly not mutually inherently intelligible. Loanwords from Tibetan and Chinese. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Qiangic Comments: Officially classified within, and Minyags consider themselves, Tibetan nationality. Proper Tibetan Wylie spelling: Minyag. Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[ylo] Yunnan, southern Huaping and eastern Yongsheng counties; Sichuan, western Panzhihua city. 15,000 (Bradley 2007). Mostly in Yunnan, with about 2,000 in Pingjiang and Futian townships of Panzhihua (Bradley 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Gan Yi, Laluo, Naruo, Shui Yi, Shuitian Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Northern Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality. Traditional religion, Christian.

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[gld] Northeast corner of Heilongjiang Province, near merge of Heilong, Songhua, and Wusuli rivers, Tongjiang county, Bacha and Jiejinkou villages; Raohe county, Sipai village. 40 in China (Salminen 2007). About half speak Sungari dialect, half speak Nanai proper (Salminen 2007). Ethnic population: 4,640 in China (2000 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Gold, Goldi, Hezhe, Hezhen, Juchen, Nanay, Sushen Dialects: Qileng (Kilen, Kili, Kirin, Qile’en), Sungari. Classification: Altaic, Tungusic, Southern, Southeast, Nanaj Comments: Officially classified within Hezhe nationality. Formerly called Sushen. Traditional religion, Buddhist.

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[ywu] West Guizhou and east Yunnan provinces, Weining, Shuicheng, Hezhang, Nayong, Xuanwei, Huize, and Yiliang counties; Northwest Yunnan Province, Zhaotong, Yongshan, Daguan, and Ludian counties. 150,000 (2007). Ethnic population: 200,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Wumeng Yi, Wusa Yi, Yuan-Mo Yi Dialects: Hen-Ke Yi, Hezhang Yi, Weining Yi. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Northern Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality. Traditional religion, Christian.

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[nxq] Northwest Yunnan Province, a majority (over 200,000) in Yulong (formerly Lijiang) Naxi autonomous county. Some scattered through Weixi, Zhongdian, Ninglang, Deqing, Yongsheng, Heqing, Jianchuan, and Lanping counties. Some in Sichuan Province, Yanyuan, Yanbian, and Muli counties. A few in Tibet Autonomous Region, Mangkang county. 300,000 (2000 census). 100,000 monolinguals. Used by most ethnic Naxi as L1. Ethnic population: 300,000. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Lomi, “Moso” (pej.), “Mosso” (pej.), “Mo-Su” (pej.), Mu, Nahsi, Nakhi, Naqxi, Nasi Dialects: Lapao, Lijiang, Ludian. Similar to Narua [nru]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Naic Comments: Official ethnic language of the Narua nationality. Buddhist (Lamaist), Buddhist, Daoist, Confucianist, traditional religion, Christian.

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[nos] Yunnan Province, Jianshui, Tonghai, Gejiu, Kaiyuan, Mengzi, Pingbian, and Hekou counties. 75,000 (2004), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Nisu, Shiping-Jianshui Nisu, Shiping-Jianshui Yi Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality. Traditional religion.

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[nsf] Northwest Yunnan Province, Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, Yangbi county, Fuheng district; Yunlong county, Tuanjie Yi district; Yongping county, Beidou Yi district. 24,000 (2004 SIL). 7,000 in Yunlong, 7,000 in Yangbi, 8,000 in Yongping districts (2004). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern

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[nsv] Yunnan Province, Jiangcheng, Simao, Mojiang, Lüchun (western), Pu’er counties. 15,000 (2007), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Dialects: Mojiang Nisu, Yuanyang Nisu. Related to Northern Nisu [yiv] and Southern Nisu [nsd]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern

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[nuf] Northwestern Yunnan Province, Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, southern Fugong (formerly Bijiang) county, Pihe town area. Northern Nusu: Wawa, Kongtong, and Youduoluo villages; Southern Nusu: Guoke, Puluo, Tuoping (Tongping), and Jiajiu (Jiajia) villages; Central Nusu: Zhiziluo, Laomudeng, Miangu, Shawa, and Zileng villages. Also in Myanmar. 12,000 in China (Bradley 2007). 1,000 monolinguals. 2,000 Northern Nusu; 4,000 Southern; 6,000 Central. Population total all countries: 12,670. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Other dialect speakers comprehend the prestige dialect Miangu (Central Nusu, Miangu, Laomudeng) fairly well. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Nu nationality along with Ayi, Anong, 1,500 Zauzou, and 5,500 Drung. Traditional religion.

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[pdi] Yunnan Province, Honghe Hani and Yi prefectures, Hekou and Jinping counties. Also in Viet Nam. 1,000 in China. Population total all countries: 1,300. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Padi Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern Comments: In China probably Dai nationality. Traditional religion.

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[pce] West Yunnan Province, Dehong prefecture, Luxi county, east of Rumai. 9,000 in China (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bulai, Bulei, Da’ang, Dlang, Ngwe Palaung, Palay, Pale, Pale Palaung, Pulei, Silver Palaung, Southern Ta’ang Dialects: Bulei, Da’ang, Raojin. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Palaung Comments: Officially classified within De’ang nationality. Total De’ang nationality in China (17,935, 2000 census). Buddhist (Hinayana).

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[pll] Southwest Yunnan Province, Lincang prefecture, Zhenkang county; Baoshan prefecture, Longyang county. 2,000 in China (1995 SIL). Total De’ang nationality in China 17,900, including speakers of Rumai Palaung, Pale Palaung and Riang (Pale being largest) (2000 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Golden Palaung, Liang Palaung, Shwe Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Palaung Comments: Classified as De’ang nationality in China. Buddhist (Hinayana).

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[ypa] Yunnan Province, Shiping and Honghe counties, north and south banks of Yuanjiang (Honghe) river; Yuanyang and Jianshui counties, a few isolated villages downriver. 12,000 (Pelkey 2011). Ethnic population: 13,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Black Phula, Bola, Hei Phula, Khapho, Phula, Phulepho Dialects: Most similar to Phola [ypg]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Upriver subgroup of Riverine Phula. Traditional religion.

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[ypo] Yunnan Province, Yuanjiang county, Tuguozhai village. 500 (Pelkey 2011). Ethnic population: 500. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bola, Pula Dialects: Similar to Phola [ypg], but reportedly unintelligible due to contact with a Tai-Kadai variety. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Upriver subgroup of Riverine Phula. Traditional religion.

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[ypn] Yunnan Province, north central Mengzi county, Xibeile district; south Kaiyuan county, Yangjie district. 10,000 (Pelkey 2011). Ethnic population: 10,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Anipho, Flowery Phu, Hua Phu, Laotshipu, Pho, Phula Dialects: Daheineng, Dayongsheng, Xibeile. Most similar to Labo Phowa [ypb] and Hlepho Phowa [yhl]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Phowa subgroup of Highland Phula. Traditional religion.

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[ypb] Yunnan Province, central, north-central and southeast Kaiyuan county, primarily in western Beige township; also in Mazheshao, Laozhai, Zhongheying, Yanggai, Mazheshao, and Lebaidao townships. 17,000 (Pelkey 2011), decreasing. Ethnic population: 21,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Asaheipho, Asahopho, Ekhepho, Labopho, Pho, Phula, White Phu, Zemapho Dialects: Most similar to Ani Phowa [ypn]; transitional with Hlepho [yhl] and Ani Phowa [ypn]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Phowa subgroup of Highland Phula. Traditional religion.

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[ypm] Yunnan Province, east central Pingbian county, Baihe township; also Wantang and Baiyun townships. 8,000 (Pelkey 2011), increasing. Ethnic population: 8,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). 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, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Core Muji subgroup of Highland Phula.

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[yph] Yunnan Province, southwest Gejiu county, 4 villages; Yuangyang county, across Honghe river, 1 village. 1,300 (2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 1,500. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Phula, Phupho, Tsapho Dialects: Closely related to, but not intelligible of, Alugu [aub]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern Comments: Downriver subgroup of Riverine Phula.

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[pmi] Southwest Sichuan Province, Muli, Yanyuan, and Jiulong counties; northwest Yunnan Province, Ninglang county, Yongning district. 35,000 (1999). 10,000 monolinguals. 5,000 in Pumi nationality, 30,000 in Tibetan nationality (1994). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ch’rame, Pimi, P’ömi, Primmi, P’rome, Pruumi, P’umi Dialects: Taoba. 4 other dialects. Intelligibility of Southern Pumi [pmj] is low. Lexical similarity: between Northern Pumi and Southern Pumi [pmj] is 60%, grammatical differences minor. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Qiangic Comments: Most classified under Tibetan nationality rather than Pumi nationality. Traditional religion, Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[laq] Southeast Yunnan Province, Malipo county, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefectures, Donggan township, villages on Vietnam border: Matong, Punong, Pucha, and Makun; Tiechang district, Pufeng village; Babu district, Longlong village; Liuhe district, Xinfa and Meitang villages; Longlin village. (Ethnic Pubiao live in these villages, but the language is no longer spoken in all villages). 18 in China (2002 Li Yunbing), decreasing. A few fluent elderly speakers in 2001 (Li Jinfang 2006). Ethnic population: 400 (Li Jinfang 2006). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Bendi Lolo, Ka Bao, Ka Biao, Kabeo, Laqua, Man La Qua, Phubyau, Pu Beo, Pu Péo, Pubiao, Pupeo, Qabiau, Qaqiau Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kra, Eastern Kra Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality. Ethnic autonym: Qa Biau (Ka Biao) or Qa Qiau; Ethnonym: Pubiao in Chinese. Intermarriage with Han, Zhuang, Miao and Dai nationality peoples is common.

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[cng] North central Sichuan Province, Mao, Songpan, Heishui, and Beichuan counties. 57,800 (1999), decreasing. No monolinguals. 14,000 Mawo dialect, 14,000 Weigu dialect, 11,000 Luhua dialect, 8,000 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: 306,000 (2000 census). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Ch’iang Dialects: Cimulin, Luhua, Mawo, Weigu, Yadu. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Qiangic Comments: Officially classified within the Qiang and Tibetan nationalities in Heishui County. Buddhist (Lamaist), Daoist, traditional religion.

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[qvy] West Sichuan Province, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Xinlong (Nyagrong) and Yajiang (Nyagquka) Litang counties. 7,000 (1995). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Choyo, Zhaba Dialects: Similar to Zhaba [zhb]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Qiangic Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality. Glossonym: Zhaba is used in Tuanjie Township of Yajiang County. Different from Zhaba language in Zhamai District. Buddhist (Lamaist), traditional religion.

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[rus] North Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Karamay (Kelamayi), Changji, and Tacheng cities; Yili prefecture (especially Yi’ning city); Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, E’erguna Enhe Russian autonomous district (Hulunbeier banner); Heilongjiang Province, Heihe city. 2,940 in China (Shearer and Sun Hong Kai 2002). Ethnic population: 15,600 (2000 census). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Eluosi, Olossu, Russ, Russki Classification: Indo-European, Slavic, East Comments: Officially classified within Russian nationality. Christian.

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[ysd] Yunnan Province, Guandu district, Kunming municipality, Zijun village. A few elderly speakers in Zhenkang and Yongde. 400 (2007), decreasing. Ethnic population: 2,810 (Bradley 2007). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Samadu, Samaduo, Samou Dialects: Similar to Samei [smh] and Sanie [ysy], but not mutually intelligible (Bradley 2007). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Northern

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[stu] Southwest Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna prefecture. 100 in China (1993). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Samtau, Samtuan Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Angkuic Comments: May be officially classified within Blang nationality or Undetermined Nationality. Buddhist (Theravada), traditional religion.

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[ysn] Southeast Yunnan Province, Shilin, Yilang, Mile, Luxi, and Qiubei counties. 100,000 (2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Northern Sani, Southern Sani. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality, population 7,762,300 (2000 census). The Samei, an Eastern Yi group east of Kunming in the Guandu region, call themselves Sani, but are not part of the Sani in Shilin. Tones differ on the 2 names, sa21 ni53 versus sa21 ni21. An Eastern Yi group with a similar name call themselves Sanie, immediately west of Kunming in Xishan region and in Anning and Fumin counties. For the Samei, Sani is their autonym. For the Sani in Shilin, Sani is an exonym. The Sani of Shilin call themselves ni21, but outsiders know them by the Chinese name Sani. Traditional religion, Christian.

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[srh] Southwest Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Taxkorgan (Tashkurghan) area, Sarikol valley. 16,000 (2000 G. Erqing). Ethnic population: 20,400 (2000 G. Erqing). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Saliku’er, Salikur, Sarikuli, Sariqul, 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 Comments: Officially classified within Tajik nationality, together with Wakhi [wbl]. Different from Tajiki [tgk] of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. The label Tajik is used in different ways in different countries. Muslim (Ismaili).

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[shx] Southeast Guangdong Province. Luofu: Boluo and Zengcheng counties; Lianhua: Haifeng and Huidong counties. More than 10 villages. 910 (1999 Mao Zongwu). 1,200 monolinguals. 580 Luofu, 390 Lianhua (McConnell 1995). Ethnic population: 710,000 (2000 census) 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. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Huo Nte Dialects: Lianhua (Western She), Luofu (Eastern 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 Comments: Officially classified within She nationality. Shehua refers to Hakka [hak] variety spoken by the She. Daoist.

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[sxg] Southwest Sichuan Province, Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, Muli Tibetan autonomous county, Shuiluo township. Two dialects: upper reaches of the Shuiluo river, lower reaches of the Shuiluo river. 1,800 (2000 D. Bradley). 1,000 or fewer monolinguals. Ethnic population: 2,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Xumi Dialects: Restricted mutual intelligibility between the Upper and the Lower Reaches dialects; salient phonological, lexical and grammatical differences between the two varieties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Naic Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality. Buddhist (Lamaist), traditional religion.

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[ysg] Yunnan Province, Heqing county, Liuhe township. 2,000 (2009 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Suoneiga Dialects: Similar to Kuamasi [yku] and Kua-nsi [ykn]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southeastern

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[swi] Guizhou Province, centered in Sandu; Duyun, Dushan, Libo, Rongjiang, Danzhai, Leishan, and Congjiang counties; Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nandan, and Rongshui counties; Yunnan Province, Fuyuan county. Also in Viet Nam. 300,000 in China (2007 D. Bradley). Population total all countries: 300,120. Ethnic population: 407,000 (2000 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ai Sui, Shui, Sui Li, Suipo Dialects: Pandong, Sandong (Central Sui, Southern Sui), Yang’an. Some communication difficulty between dialects. Sandong (Central) is the standard and most intelligible in the area (Castro 2011). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Kam-Sui Comments: Officially classified within Shui nationality. Traditional religion.

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[twh] Southeast Yunnan Province, Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefectures, Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai autonomous counties. 15,000 in China (2000 census). Population figure 90% of Dai nationality in Jinping County in 2000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bai Dai, Tai Jinping, White Tai Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern Comments: Officially classified within Dai nationality.

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[tdd] Southwest Yunnan Province, Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefectures, Baoshan, Simao, and Lincang municipal prefectures. Mangshi dialect: Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefectures, Luxi, Yingjiang, Lianghe, Longchuan, and Wanding counties, Baoshan municipal prefecture, Baoshan, Tengchong, Longling, and Shidian counties. Menggeng dialect: Simao municipal prefecture, Menglian Dai-Lahu-Va, Jinggu Dai-Yi, Lancang Hani, Zhenyuan Yi-Hani-Lahu, Ximeng Va, Jingdong Yi, Pu’er Hani-Yi, and Mojiang Hani autonomous counties, as well as Simao county, Baoshan municipal prefecture, Changning county, Lincang municipal prefecture, Lincang, Yongde, Zhenkang, Yun, and Fengqing counties, and Shuangjiang Lahu-Va-Blang-Dai, and Cangyuan Va autonomous counties. Also in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam. 540,000 in China (Zhou Yaowen and Luo Meizhen 2001). Population total all countries: 717,400. Ethnic population: 610,000 (Zhou Yaowen and Luo Meizhen 2001). 1,158,989 (1990 census), including Tai Lü, Tai Hongjin, Tai Ya, Tai Dam and Tai Dón. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Chinese Shan, Chinese Tai, Dai Kong, Dai Na, Dai Nuea, Daide, Dehong, Dehong Dai, Tai Dehong, Tai Le, Tai Mao, Tai Neua, Tai nö, Tai Nü, Tai Nue, Tai taü, Tai-Kong, Tai-Le, Yunannese Shan, Yunnan Shant’ou Dialects: Mangshi (Debao, Dehong, Taile), Menggeng (Taita), Tai Pong (Ka, La, Sai, Tai Ka, Ya, You), Yongren. Related to Khamti [kht]. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern Comments: Officially classified within Dai nationality. Northern Shan-like varieties in China are referred to collectively as Tai Na, or Dehong Dai in Chinese. Buddhist (Theravada), traditional religion.

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[yta] Yunnan Province, Yongsheng county, mainly in 4 villages of Liude township; Ninglang county, Ninglangping townhip; Huaping county, Tongda township. 13,600 (2007), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Tagu, Taliu, Tazhi Dialects: Similar to Lolopo [ycl] (Bradley 2007). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central

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[tat] North Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Yining (Ghulja, Kulja), Qvqek, and Ürümqi. 800 in China (1999 C. Zongzhen), decreasing. Ethnic population: 4,890 (2000 census). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Tartar, Tata’er Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Western, Uralian Comments: Officially classified within Tatar nationality, some of whom speak only Kazakh. Speech in different areas is influenced by Uyghur and Kazakh. Muslim (Sunni).

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[thf] Tibetan Autonomous Region. 300 in China (2002). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Dolakha, Thami Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Himalayan, Central Himalayan, Thangmi-Baraamu

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[adx] Tibet Autonomous Region, Huangnan, Hainan, Haibei, and Guoluo (Golog) autonomous prefectures; Qinghai Province, Haixi Mongolian-Tibetan-Kazakh autonomous prefecture and Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture; southwest Gansu Province, Tianzhu autonomous county; west and north Sichuan Province, Ganzi and Aba (Ngaba) Tibetan autonomous prefectures. 1,800,000 (2005 C. Lhungrub). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Amdo, Anduo, Ngambo, Panang Dialects: Hbrogpa, Panang (Banag, Banang, Panags, Panakha, Pananag, Sbanag, Sbranag), Rongba, Rongmahbrogpa, Rtahu. Central Tibetan [bod] or Khams Tibetan [khg] varieties not intelligible. Lexical similarity: 70% with Central Tibetan [bod] and Khams Tibetan [khg]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, Central Bodish, Amdo Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality. Those in Golog are called Golog, Ngolok, Mgolog, Ggolo, or Gugoluo. Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[khg] Northeast Tibet Autonomous Region, Changdu (Qamdo) and Naqu (Nagqu) districts; west Sichuan Province, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan autonomous prefecture; northwest Yunnan Province, Diqing (Dechen) Tibetan autonomous prefecture; southwest Qinghai Province, Yushu Tibetan autonomous prefecture. Also in Myanmar. 1,380,000 in China (1994). 996,000 Eastern, 135,000 Southern, 158,000 Western, 91,000 Northern. Population total all countries: 1,380,300. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kam, Kang, Khamba, Khampa, Khams, Khams Bhotia, Khams-Yal Dialects: Eastern Khams, Northern Khams, Southern Khams, Western Khams. Dialects may be distinct languages; large differences reported. Lexical similarity: 80% with Central Tibetan [bod]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish, Central Bodish, Khams Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality. Different from Western Parbate [kjl], Eastern Parbate [kif], Sheshi Kham [kip], and Gamale Kham [kgj] of Nepal. Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[huq] South Hainan Prefecture; Yaxian (Sanya) County, Yanglan District, Huixin and Huihui villages. 4,000 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 5,000 (2000 D. Bradley). Status: 6b (Threatened). 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-Chamic, Chamic, Highlands, Chru-Northern, Northern Cham Comments: Officially classified within Hui nationality. The phonology suggests a history of some independence from other Chamic languages (Maddieson 1991). Their name for themselves is Utsat, for their language Tsat. Huihui or Hui is the Chinese name. Muslim.

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[tsj] Southeast Tibet Autonomous Region, Linzhi prefecture, Motuo (Medoz, Medog) county, Beibeng, Motuo, Bangxing, and Dexing districts; Dongjiu district, Linzhi (Ngingchi) county. 7,000 in China (2000 census). Majority are monolingual. Ethnic population: 8,920 (2000 census). Includes Moinba (Cuona Monba) [twm] speakers. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Canglo Monba, Cangluo Menba, Cangluo Monba, Central Monpa, Menba, Monba, Monpa, Motuo Menba, Sangla, Tsangla Monba, Tsanglo Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Western Tibeto-Burman, Bodish Comments: Officially classified within Moinba (Menba) nationality. Different from Angami Naga [njm] of India. Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[tji] Northwest Hunan Province, Yingjiang and Yanhe counties, Hubei and Guizhou provinces, Wuling mountain range. 70,000 (Brassett and Brassett 2005). 100 monolinguals. Regularly used but increasingly the young prefer to speak Chinese and are encouraged by their parents. In most areas children acquire a passive knowledge only. No longer used in southeastern Sichuan, northeastern Guizhou, and southwestern Hubei provinces. No longer used or moribund in northwestern Hunan and severely endangered in the remaining areas (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 8,030,000 (2000 census). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Tuchia, Tudja Dialects: Baojing, Longshan. Northern and Southern Tujia [tjs] are not mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: 40% with Southern Tujia [tjs]. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Tujia Comments: Officially classified within Tujia nationality. Traditional religion, Buddhist.

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[tyv] Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Altay prefecture, Burjin, Habahe, Fuyun, and Altay counties. 2,400 in China (1999 W. Hongwei). No monolinguals. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Diba, Kök Mungak, Tuvin, Tuwa Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Northern Comments: Officially classified within Mongolian nationality. Buddhist (Lamaist), traditional religion.

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[uig] Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Also in Afghanistan, Australia, Taiwan, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, United States, Uzbekistan. 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: 8,791,610. Status: 2 (Provincial). Statutory provincial language in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (1984, Ethnic Regional Autonomy Act, Articles 10 and 21). Alternate Names: Uighuir, Uighur, Uiguir, Uigur, Uygur, Weiwu’er, 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), and Dolan, Akto Türkmen. There are significant dialect differences between China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Eastern Comments: Most officially classified within Uyghur nationality; some speakers classified within other official nationalities, such as Kyrghyz. Those in the north are more influenced by modern Chinese culture. Muslim (Sunni).

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[vie] South coast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Shanxin, Wanwei, and Wutou peninsulas (the ‘3 peninsulas’), Fangcheng Pan-Nationality autonomous county; Jiangping region. 7,200 in China (1999 O. Jueya). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Annamese, Ching, Gin, Jing, Kinh Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Viet-Muong, Vietnamese Comments: Ethnic Vietnamese classified an official nationality, called Jing or Gin. Christian, Daoist.

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[wbm] Southwest Yunnan Province, Lincang prefecture, Yongde and Zhenkang counties; Simao prefecture, Lancang Lahu autonomous county. 40,000 (Zhou Zhizhi, Qixiang Yan, and Guoqing Chen 2004). Many monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Awa, Kawa, K’awa, Va, Vo, Wa Proper, Wa Pwi, Wakut Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Waic, Wa Comments: Officially classified within Va (Wa) nationality. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.

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[wxa] West Hunan Province, a 6,000 square km area, Wuling mountains, including Yuanling, Chunxi, Jishou, Guzhang, and Dayong. 300,000 (1995). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Wogang, Xianghua Dialects: Classified as Han nationality. It differs greatly from both Southwestern Mandarin (Xinan Guanhua) [cmn] and Xiang Chinese (Hunanese) [hsn], 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 Comments: Officially classified within the Han nationality.

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[sjo] Xinjiang Uyghur 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. 30,000 (2000 A. Jun). Few monolinguals. Ethnic population: 189,000 (2000 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Statutory language of provincial identity in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (1984, Ethnic Regional Autonomy Act, Articles 10 and 21). Alternate Names: Sibe, Sibin, Sibo, Xibo Dialects: Inherently intelligible of Manchu [mnc]. Classification: Altaic, Tungusic, Southern, Southwest Comments: Officially classified within Xibe nationality. Descendants of an 18th century Qing dynasty military garrison. Loans from Uyghur, Kazakh, and Chinese. Traditional religion.

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[ywq] Yunnan Province, Luquan, Wuding, Yongren, Lufeng, Yuanmou, Qujing, Xundian, and Huize counties; south Sichuan Province, Huili county. 250,000 (2007). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Black Yi, Dian Dongbei Yi, Hei Yi, Nasu, 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, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Northern Comments: Officially classified within Yi nationality. Hei Yi means Black Yi. Christian, traditional religion.

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[ybe] Northwest Gansu Province, Sunan Yugur autonomous county near Zhangye (Kanchow). 4,600 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 7,000 (Bradley 2007). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Sari Yogur, Sarig, Sarygh Uygur, Sary-Uighur, Ya Lu, Yellow Uighur, Yugu, Yuku Classification: Altaic, Turkic, Eastern Comments: Officially classified within Yugur nationality, together with East Yugur [yuy]. Buddhist (Lamaist), traditional religion.

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[zkr] Southeast Tibet Autonomous Region, Zayul county, Lower Zayul township, 3 villages: Songgu, Lading, and Tama. Also in India. 600 in China (Bradley 2007). Population total all countries: 900. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Zaiwa, Zha Dialects: Similar to Tibetan [bod] (Singh 1994), Miju-Mishmi [mxj] (Bradley 2007). Not related to Zaiwa [atb] in Yunnan. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Central Tibeto-Burman, Keman

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[zhb] Sichuan Province, Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Yajiang (Nyagquka) county, Zhamai district; Daofu (Dawu) county, Zhaba district. 7,800 (Genxia Wengmu and Hu Shujin 2008), decreasing. Many young monolingual speakers in Zhaba and Zhamai districts. Most can speak the language (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 9,000 (Gong 2007). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bazi, Bozi, Draba, nDrapa, Zaba, Zha Dialects: Drame (Zhami/Southern nDrapa), Drate (Zhaba/Northern nDrapa). Similar to Stau (Horpa [ero]) and Queyu [qvy], but no mutual intelligibility. Many loanwords from Tibetan and Chinese varieties. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Northeastern Tibeto-Burman, Qiangic Comments: Officially classified within Tibetan nationality. Different from Queyu [qvy]. Buddhist (Lamaist).

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[zch] Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, either side of central stretch of Hongshuihe river, including Du’an, Dahua, Mashan, north Shanglin and possibly other border areas such as east Pingguo. 1,080,000 (2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Northern

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[zeh] 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. 1,200,000 (2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Northern

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[zgn] Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Fengshan, Tianlin, Longlin, Xilin, Lingyun, Leyun; Yunnan, Funing, and north Guangnan. 1,000,000 (2007). Under 25% monolingual. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Buyei, Buyoi, Kang Yei, Northern Zhuang Dialects: Some intelligibility of standard Bouyei [pcc]; none of Qiubei Zhuang [zqe], Yongbei Zhuang [zyb], or Nong Zhuang [zhn] (Johnson 2011). Lexical similarity: 71% with Yongbei Zhuang [zyb], 83% with Qiubei Zhuang [zqe] (northern Taic), 64%–66% with Nong Zhuang [zhn] (central Taic). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Northern Comments: Traditional religion.

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[zlj] Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Liujiang, North Laibin, Yishan, Liucheng, and north Xincheng. 1,560,000 (2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Northern

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[zgm] Southwest Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dejing area, Napo, Jingxi, and Debao counties; southeast Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefectures, Funing county, Langheng district (now in Tianbeng township), Sankeshu, Xionggu, Shangmabu, Tianfang, Getao, Gezao, Gecai, Bagan, Na’en, Longnong, and Anha villages. 173,000 (2004). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Black Zhuang, Bu Xiong, Heiyi Zhuang, Kon Min, Sung, Zong Zhuang Dialects: Cuengh (Zong), Minz (Min). Nong Zhuang [zhn] and Yang Zhuang [zgm] are most similar. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Central Comments: Traditional religion.

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[zqe] Southeast Yunnan Province, Qiubei county (and west edge Guangnan county), Wenshan Zhuang Miao autonomous prefecture; Qujing municipal prefecture, Shizong county, Longqing Yi-Zhuang and Wulong Zhuang autonomous districts. 140,000 (2007 census). Under 25% monolingual. Ethnic population: 150,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bau i, Bui, Buyi, Northern Zhuang, Qiubei Sha Dialects: Not mutually intelligible with Guibian Zhuang [zgn], Nong Zhuang [zhn], or Dai Zhuang [zhd]. Lexical similarity: 83% with Guibian Zhuang [zgn], 69% with Yongbei (standard) Zhuang [zyb], 64%–66% with Nong Zhuang [zhn] and Yang Zhuang [zyg], 55% with Dai Zhuang [zhd]. (2011 E. Johnson). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Northern Comments: Officially classified within Zhuang nationality. Traditional religion.

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[zyb] Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, north Yongning, Hengxian, Bingyang, Wuming, and Pingguo. 1,980,000 (2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Northern

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[zyj] Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Tiandong, Tianyang, and Baise. 870,000 (2007). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Northern

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