Laomian

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
lwm
Alternate Names
Bisu, Guba, Lawa, Lawmeh, Lua, Mbi, Mbisu, Mibisu, Misu, Pin
User Population

4,000 (Bradley 2007a), decreasing. Less than 1,000 Laopin (Bradley 2007a). Ethnic population: 5,000 (Bradley 2007a). Ethnic population does not include Laopin.

Location

Yunnan province: Lancang, Menglian, and Ximeng counties. Menghai county, Mengzhe township, Van Phin (Laopinzhai) village (Laopin dialect).

Language Maps
Language Status

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

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

Lanmeng, Laopin. Closely related to Pyen [pyy] and Bisu [bzi]; all 3 languages are largely mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: 93%–95% between Laopin and Laomian, 88% with Bisu [bzi] in Thailand.

Language Use

Use of Chinese [cmn] is increasing and leading to language shift. Home, village. Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes. Many also use Lahu [lhu]. Many also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Also use Hani [hni]. Also use Lü [khb].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 70%.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Laomian
Other Comments

The name ‘Laomian’ is the Chinese derivation of the Lahu name ‘Lawmeh.’ Others officially classified as Undetermined Nationality. Some view Bisu as an important link to their culture and hope to preserve it. Traditional religion.