Hani

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
hni
Alternate Names
Hanhi, Hani Proper, Haw
Autonym
Ha Nhi
User Population

740,000 in China (Bradley 2007b). 444,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,660,000 (2010 census). Includes Akeu [aeu], Akha [ahk], Biyo [byo], Chadong [cdy], Enu [enu], Honi [how], Kaduo [ktp], Muda [ymd], and Sangkong [sgk] languages. Total users in all countries: 766,240.

Location

Yunnan province: Jingdong and Jinggu counties, Lancang (Mekong) and Yuanjiang river basins, Ailao mountains.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous). Language of recognized nationality: Hani.

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

Hani has numerous dialects and is fairly similar to Akha [ahk].

Typology

SOV; tonal, 3 tones.

Language Use

Vigorous. Some users of nearby languages also speak Hani. Taught at Kunming Institute. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Some also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn], especially written Chinese. Also use Lipo [lpo]. Also use Lü [khb]. Used as L2 by Kucong [lkc], Lahu [lhu], Laomian [lwm], Sangkong [sgk].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 5%. Newspapers. Radio. TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Hani
Writing

Latin script [Latn], pinyin-based, used in 1958–1964 and from 1982, experimental, used in education, literature, and media.

Other Comments

Includes Hani, Akha, Biyo, Kaduo, Honi, and other groups, all speaking Southern Ngwi languages. The Hanhi ethnic group in Vietnam and Laos speak Hani. Traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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