Bunu, Bu-Nao

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
bwx
Alternate Names
Bu-Nao Bunu, Bunao, Bunu, Po-Nau, Pu Nu, Punu
User Population

400,000 (Shearer and Sun 2017). 97,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 439,000 (1982 census). 100,000 ethnic Bunu speak Central Hongshuihe Zhuang [zch] as L1.

Location

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: 22 counties, Bama, Bose, Dahua, Debao, Donglan, Du’an, Fengshan, Hechi, Laibin, Leye, Lingyun, Long’an, Luocheng, Mashan, Nandan, Pingguo, Shanglin, Tiandeng, Tiandong, Tianlin, Tianyang, and Xincheng; Guizhou province: Libo county; Hunan province: near Guangxi border; Yunnan province: Funing county.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened). Language of recognized nationality: Yao.

Classification
Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Bunu
Dialects

Dongnu (Punu, Tung Nu), Nunu, Bunuo (Pu No), Baonao (Baonuo, Nao Khalo, Nao Klao, Naogelao, Nau Klau, Pounou), Numao (Hong Yao, Nu Mhou), Nodo. The dialects listed may be at least 5 languages (Strecker 1987), communication is difficult (McConnell 1995).

Typology

SVO; modifiers follow heads; up to 11 affixes; complex set of initials including prenasalized stops; relatively simple rhymes; tonal, most dialects have 8 tones.

Language Use

All domains. Some of all ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Bouyei [pcc]. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Mandarin Chinese used in schools.

Language Development

Dictionary.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bunu, Bu-Nao
Writing

Latin script [Latn], used at least since 1988.

Other Comments

Daoist, traditional religion.