Tai Ya
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A language of China
50,000 in China (2000 census). Ethnic population: 50,000 (2000 census). Based on county level Dai populations. Total users in all countries: 50,400.
Yunnan province: Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefectures, Honghe and Yuanyang counties; Yuxi prefecture, Xinping Yi-Dai autonomous county, Mosha district; Dai, Yi, and Yuanjiang Hani autonomous counties.
6a (Vigorous). Language of recognized nationality: Dai.
Tai Ya, Tai Sai (Dai Sai), Tai Kha (Dai Ka), Tai Chung (Cung, Dai Zhong). Dialects mutually intelligible, though speakers of the latter 3 may understand Tai Ya dialect (the largest) more easily than speakers of Tai Ya understand the other 3 dialects. Some linguists have analyzed Tai Ya as most similar to Tai Nüa [tdd], others have grouped Tai Ya with other non-Buddhist Southwestern Tai groups. Tai Ya is probably not easily intelligible with other varieties of Tai.
SVO; tonal, 6 tone categories in unchecked syllables, 2 (split into 4 according to vowel length) in checked syllables; nasal and stop finals.
Most domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes.
Tai Tham (Lanna) script [Lana], no longer in use.
Called Daiya or Huayao Dai (Multi-colored Waistband Dai) in China. Traditional religion, Christian.