Lachi

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A language of Viet Nam

ISO 639-3
lbt
Alternate Names
Cu-Tê, Cù Te, La Chi, Lachí, Laji, Lati, Lipulio, Mia, Tai Lati, Y, Y Pí, Y Póng, Y To
User Population

5,000 in Vietnam (Bradley 2007a). 3,990 women, in 1,450 households (Liang 1990), including Black Lachi 2,500 in 550 households, Long-Haired Lachi 4,500 in 900 households. 15,000 for all La Chi in Vietnam (2019 census). Ethnic population: 15,100 (2019 census). Total users in all countries: 5,200.

Location

Ha Giang province: west of Ha Giang in upper Clear River valley (Riviere Claire) on China border. Black Lachi in Manyou, Long-Haired Lachi in Manpeng.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b* (Threatened). Language of recognized ethnic group: La Chi.

Classification
Kra-Dai, Kra, Western Kra
Dialects

Liputiõ (Black Lachi), Lipupi (Long-Haired Lachi). Related to Gelao. Lexical similarity: Long-Haired Lachi of Vietnam: 80% with Flowery Lachi [lbt] of China, White Lachi [lwh] of Vietnam: 30%–40% with the others, and should be considered a separate language, 36% with Gelao, 33% with Qabiao [laq], 22% with Dong [doc], 23% with Laka, 25% with Hlai [lic].

Language Use

Continue to use the language. Also use Chinese [zho]. Also use Zhuang [zha], and some varieties of Miao.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lachi
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

‘Red’, ‘Flowery’, refer to clothing color or other features of physical appearance. Traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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