Bolyu

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
ply
Alternate Names
Baliu, Lai, Lailai, Paliu, Palju, Palyu, Polyu
Population

500 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 1,770 (Bradley 2007).

Location

Far west Guangxi on the Guizhou and Yunnan borders, Xilin and Longlin counties, in 2 groups. Possibly in Yunnan.

Language Maps
Language Status

8a (Moribund).

Classification
Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Palyu
Dialects

May be similar to Bugan [bbh], which is the nearest Mon-Khmer language geographically.

Typology

SVO; modifiers follow heads; grammatical relations marked mainly by word order and particles; reported to have long and half long versus short vowel distinction; uvular stops; 6 tone categories in unchecked syllables plus 5 in checked syllables. Shows similarities to Kadai languages

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bolyu
Other Comments

Officially classified within Gelao nationality. Ethnonym: Lai in Chinese. Traditional religion.