Lahu Shi

A language of China

Kur, Kwi, Lahu Si, Lahu Xi, Lahu-Xi, Lahu-shi, Lahusi, Shi, Yellow Lahu

Lad hur Si

117,000 in China (Bradley 2007b), increasing. Few monolinguals. Ethnic population: 120,000. Total users in all countries: 196,200.

Location

Yunnan province: Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Menghai county, Menghai district, Menghai township; Simao prefecture, Lancang Lahu autonomous county, Nuofu district, other areas.

Language Maps

Southwestern China

Eastern Central Myanmar

Northern Thailand

Language Status

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

Classification

Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central

Dialects

Banlan (Lahu Shi Balan), Bakeo (Lahu Bakeo). Reportedly most similar to Lahu [lhu].

Typology

SOV.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Neutral attitudes. Most also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Many also use Lahu [lhu].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: Fairly high among Christians. Literature. NT: 2015.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Lahu Shi

Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Also spoken in:

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Laos

Language NameLahu Si

User Population

3,000 in Laos (2007).

Location

Bokeo province: Kentung.

Alternate Names

Kui, Kui Lung, Kui Sang, Lad hur Si, Lahu Shi, Yellow Lahu

Language Status

6a* (Vigorous).

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Traditional religion.

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Myanmar

Language NameLahu Shi

User Population

60,000 in Myanmar (2007).

Location

Shan state: Kentung district.

Alternate Names

Kwi, Lad hur Si, Lahu Si, Yellow Lahu

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Lahu [lhu].

Language Development

Literacy classes taught in some communities.

Other Comments

Little dialect variation between Lahu Shi spoken in Myanmar and Thailand. They live among the Lahu Na [lhu]. Christian.

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Thailand

Language NameLahu Si

User Population

15,000 in Thailand (2007).

Location

Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Chiang Mai provinces; near Pua and Nan; separate enclaves in Tak and Phayao provinces.

Alternate Names

Lad hur Si, Lahu Shi

Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Language Use

Vigorous in rural areas, some language shift for families who move to the city. Some young people, all adults. Also use Thai [tha].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Distinct from Kuay [kdt], which is Mon-Khmer. Christian.

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Lahu Shi

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A language of China

Also spoken in:

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