Jingpho

A language of Myanmar

Aphu, Chingp’o, Chingpaw, Jinghpaw, Jingphaw, Kachin, Phu

Jinghpo

900,000 in Myanmar (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Total users in all countries: 940,000.

Kachin state: large area except north and southwest; Shan state: Lashio and Muse districts; Sagaing region: western border strip.

Language Maps

Northern Myanmar

Southwestern China

Eastern Central Myanmar

Language Status

3 (Wider communication). Lingua franca for Zaiwa [atb], Lashi [lsi], and Lhao Vo [mhx].

Classification

Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Jingppaw-Asakia, Jingphaw

Dialects

Hkaku (Hka-Hku, Hkahku), Kauri (Gauri, Guari, Hkauri), Dzili (Jili), Dulong (Dalaung, Duleng). Dzili is likely a separate language that is most likely extinct. Hkaku and Kauri are only slightly different. Lexical similarity: 50% with Singhpo [sgp] of India.

Typology

SOV; adjectives and numbers follow nouns; singular, dual, plural pronouns; tense-lax vowel distinction; 4 tones.

Language Use

Most domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Burmese [mya]. Used as L2 by Khamti [kht], Lacid [lsi], Lhao Vo [mhx], Lisu [lis], Rawang [raw], Rumai Palaung [rbb], Zaiwa [atb].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 60%–100%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–75%. Some community literacy classes. Literature. Newspapers. Radio. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 1927–2016.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Jingpho

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Kachin refers to a cultural, not linguistic, group. Christian.

Also spoken in:

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China

Language NameJingpho

User Population

40,000 in China (1999 X. Xijian). 20,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 148,000 (2010 census). Includes Lashi [lsi], Lhaovo [mhx], Pela [bxd], and Zaiwa [atb] speakers (2010 census).

Location

Yunnan province: Baoshan prefecture, Tengchong county; Dehong Dai-Jingpo autonomous prefecture, Longchuan, Ruili, and Yingjiang counties.

Alternate Names

Chingp’o, Chingpaw, Dashanhua, Jinghpaw, Jinghpo, Jingpo, Kachin, Marip

Dialects

Enkun (Nkhum, Nkhumka), Shidan (Satanka, Xidan), Hkaku (Hka-Hku), Kauri (Gauri, Hkauri, Kauzhika, Khauri), Mengzhi, Dzili (Jili), Dulong.

Language Status

6a* (Vigorous). Language of recognized nationality: Jingpo.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Positive attitudes. Also use Lacid [lsi]. Also use Lhao Vo [mhx]. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn], particularly in some secondary schools. Also use Zaiwa [atb]. Used as L2 by Achang [acn], Lhaovo [mhx], Lisu [lis], Lü [khb], Ruching Palaung [pce], Zaiwa [atb].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 84% (2000 census, Jingpho nationality). Chinese used in some secondary schools.

Other Comments

Kachin refers to the cultural rather than the linguistic group. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.

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Jingpho

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A language of Myanmar

Also spoken in:

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