Lakkia

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
lbc
Alternate Names
Chashan Yao, Lajia, Laka, Lakia, Lakja, Lakkja, Tai Laka, Tea Mountain Yao
Population

9,000 (Bradley 2007). 4,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 12,000 (Bradley 2007).

Location

Eastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jinxiu Yao autonomous county.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Lakkja
Dialects

Phonetically similar to Iu Mien [ium], word order to Bunu [bwx]. Not intelligible with Hmong Djua [hnj] or Bunu. Minimal variation within Lakkia. Lexical similarity: 45% with Dong [doc], 23% with Lachi [lbt] and Qabiao [laq], 22% with Gelao.

Typology

SVO; modifiers follow heads; consonant clusters and palatalized and labialized onsets; voiced and voiceless nasal onsets; long-short vowel distinction; 6 basic tone categories in unchecked syllables and 2 in checked with further split in checked syllables according to vowel length

Language Use

Vigorous. Some speakers of other languages use Lakkia for trade. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn], Iu Mien [ium], or Liuqian Zhuang [zlq].

Language Development
Dictionary. Grammar.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lakkia
Other Comments

Officially classified within Yao (Mien) nationality, but the language is Tai-Kadai (1990 J-O. Svantesson). Daoist, traditional religion.