Lisu

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
lis
Alternate Names
Chedi, Cheli, Chung, Khae, Leisu, Leshuoopa, Lesuo, Li, Li-Hsaw, Lip’a, Lisaw, Li-Shaw, Lishu, Liso, Lissu, Loisu, Lusu, Lu-Tzu, Yao Yen, Yaw Yin, Yaw-Yen, Yeh-Jen
Population

600,000 in China (2000 census), increasing. Total users in all countries: 942,700.

Location

Sichuan province: southwest Liangshan prefecture; Yunnan province: 11 prefectures, 63 counties, upper reaches of Mekong and Salween rivers.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication). Language of recognized nationality: Lisu. Some 7,000 members of the Nu nationality in China, and more in Myanmar, speak only Lisu.

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

Bai Lisu (White Lisu), Dechang Lisu, Hei Lisu (Black Lisu), Hua Lisu (Flowery Lisu), Lu Shi Lisu, Ninglang Lisu, Northern Lisu, Nujiang Lisu, Shibacha Lisu, Western Lisu. Much dialectal variation; some do not understand each other.

Typology

SOV; tonal, 6 tones.

Language Use

Vigorous. Speakers of other languages in the area use Lisu for administration, religion, and bilingual education in schools. In Drung and Nu areas, oral and written Lisu are used for Christian activities. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Central Bai [bca], Central Tibetan [bod], Jingpho [kac], Lü [khb], Mandarin Chinese [cmn], Naxi [nxq]. Used as L2 by Anong [nun], Central Bai [bca], Drung [duu], Northern Pumi [pmi], Nusu [nuf], Southern Pumi [pmj], Zaiwa [atb], Zauzou [zal].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: High. Literacy rate in L2: Moderate in Chinese. Literacy taught through churches, rather than schools. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1968–1986.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lisu
Writing

Latin script [Latn], used in 1915–1918, 1958–1966, and from 1981. Lisu (Fraser) script [Lisu], used since 1918, primary usage.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

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