Zauzou

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
zal
Alternate Names
Jaojo, Raorou, Rourou
Population

2,100 (Bradley 2007). About 10% monolingual, mainly older adults. Ethnic population: 2,500 (1999 Sun Hong Kai).

Location

Northwest Yunnan Province, Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, Lanping county, Tu’e, Biji, Wupijiang, Guoli, Xiaocun, and Jiangmo districts; Lushui county, Luzhang, Shuilizhai and Liukuzhen districts and townships.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central
Dialects

Bijilan, Wupijiang.

Typology

SOV; no consonant clusters; no checked syllables; tense-lax and nasalized-unnasalized vowel distinctions; tonal, 6 tones

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Used less by young people and children. Positive attitudes. Most also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn] or 40% Lisu [lis]. A few also use Bai [bca].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: 68% in any language (2000 census, Nu nationality). Grammar.
Other Comments

Officially classified within Nu nationality with Anong [nun], Nusu [nuf], and 5,500 ethnic Nung who speak Drung [duu]. Traditional religion, Daoist.