Chinese, Xiang
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A language of China
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Hsiang, Hunan, Hunanese, Xiang
Population
36,600,000 in China (2013). Total users in all countries: 36,600,290.
Location
Hunan province: over 20 counties; parts of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Guizhou and Hubei provinces.
Language Maps
Language Status
6a (Vigorous). Language of recognized nationality: Han.
Classification
Dialects
Changyi, Luoshao, Jishu, Changsha, Yiyang, Loudi, Shaoyang, Jixu, Xupu, Jishou. Linguistically between Mandarin [cmn] and Wu [wuu] Chinese and marginally intelligible with them. Reportedly becoming more similar to (southwestern) Mandarin [cmn] and is losing non-northern features. 3 main dialect groups: Changyi (includes Changsha and Yiyang), Luoshao (includes Loudi and Shaoyang), and Jixu (Jishu) (includes Xupu and Jishou). A member of macrolanguage Chinese [zho].
Language Use
All ages. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: 91% (2000 census, Han nationality). Highly literate in Chinese, and they use that literature.
Language Resources