Bunu, Bu-Nao

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
bwx
Alternate Names
Bunao, Po-Nau, Punu
Population

258,000 (McConnell 1995). 97,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 439,000 (1982 census). 100,000 ethnic Bunu speak Central Hongshuihe Zhuang [zch] as L1.

Location

Western Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 22 counties: Du’an, Bama, Dahua, Lingyun, Nandan, Tiandong, Tianyang, Pingguo, Fengshan, Donglan, Hechi, Mashan, Bose, Tianlin, Leye, Tiandeng, Xincheng, Shanglin, Long’an, Debao, Laibin, and Luocheng; Guizhou Province, Libo county; Yunnan Province, Funing county.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Bunu
Dialects

Bunuo (Pu No), Cingsui Longlin, Dongnu (Bunu, Punu, Tung Nu), Hontou Longlin, Naogelao (Baonuo, Nao Khalo, Nao Klao, Nau Klau, Pounou), Numao (Hong Yao, Nu Mhou), Nunu. The dialects listed may be at least 5 languages (D. Strecker 1987), communication is difficult (McConnell 1995).

Typology

SVO; modifiers follow heads; up to 11 affixes; complex set of initials including prenasalized stops; relatively simple rhymes; tonal, most dialects have 8 tones

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn] or Bouyei [pcc]. Mandarin Chinese used in schools.

Language Development
Dictionary.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bunu, Bu-Nao
Other Comments

Officially classified within Yao nationality. Daoist, traditional religion.