Zaiwa

A language of China

Aci, Aji, Atshi, Atsi, Atsi-Maru, Atzi, Azi, Szi, Tsaiva, Tsaiwa, Xiaoshanhua

Autonym

Zaiwâ

User Population

120,000 in China (2021). 20,000 monolinguals. Total users in all countries: 153,000.

Location

Yunnan province: Dehong Dai-Jingpo autonomous prefecture, Bangwa, Longchuan, Luxi, Ruili, and Yingjiang counties.

Language Maps

Southwestern China

Eastern Central Myanmar

Northern Myanmar

Language Status

5 (Developing). Language of recognized nationality: Jingpo.

Classification

Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Burmish, Northern

Dialects

Longzhun, Tingzhu, Bengwa. Some consider Pela [bxd] (Bola, Polo, Pala), Lashi [lsi] (Leqi), and Maru [mhx] (Langsu, Langwa) to be dialects of Zaiwa. Dialects have only minor phonological differences.

Typology

SOV; 3 tone categories in unchecked syllables and 2 in checked; tense-lax vowel contrast.

Language Use

Vigorous. Speakers of other languages in the area also speak Zaiwa. All domains. Used by all. Used less by young people and children. Positive attitudes. Intellectuals are concerned about preservation of Zaiwa. Some also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Also use Central Bai [bca]. Also use Jingpho [kac]. Also use Lachi [lbt]. Also use Lhao Vo [mhx]. Also use Lisu [lis]. Used as L2 by Jingpho [kac], Lhaovo [mhx].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 50,000 can read and write. Newspapers. Radio. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 2009–2019.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Zaiwa

Writing

Latin script [Latn], developed in 1957, modified in 1997. Lisu (Fraser) script [Lisu], no longer in use.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian, Daoist.