Nanai

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A language of Russian Federation

ISO 639-3
gld
Alternate Names
Gold, Goldi, Heche, Hezhe, Hezhen, Nanaj
Population

1,350 in Russian Federation (2010 census). Population total all countries: 1,390. Ethnic population: 12,200.

Location

Extreme far east, confluence of Amur and Ussuri rivers, scattered in Ussuri valley; Sikhote-Alin, centered in Amur valley below Khabarovsk. Also in China.

Language Maps
Language Status

7 (Shifting).

Classification
Altaic, Tungusic, Southern, Southeast, Nanaj
Dialects

Akani, Birar, Kila, Kuro-Urmi, Samagir, Sunggari, Torgon, Ussuri. Quite distinct dialects.

Language Use

Severely endangered. Mainly older adults. Neutral to mildly positive attitudes. Motivated to use Russian [rus]. Those under 40 consider Nanai unhelpful in life. Older generation pessimistic about possibility of preservation. Also use Russian [rus]. Some elderly may also use Chinese [cmn].

Language Development
Dictionary. Bible portions: 1884–2002.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nanai
Writing
Cyrillic script.
Other Comments

Traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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