Manchu

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
mnc
Alternate Names
Man, Manju Gisun
User Population

20 (Bradley 2007a). Some additional semi-speakers in 3 remote villages (Bradley 2007a). Ethnic population: 10,400,000 (2010 census).

Location

Beijing, Hebei, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces; Heilongjiang province: some villages in Aihui and Fuyu counties; Nei Mongol Autonomous Region: small enclave northeast.

Language Maps
Language Status

8b (Nearly extinct). Language of recognized nationality: Manchu (Man).

Classification
Tungusic, Southern, Southwest
Dialects

Bala, Alechuxa, Jing, Lalin.

Language Use

Long extinct among the mainly urbanized Manchu, but still studied in an ongoing scholarly tradition (Bradley 2007a). Elderly only. Positive attitudes. All shifted to Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Used as L2 by Daur [dta].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: About 50 read and write. Literacy rate in L2: 82%. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1835.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Manchu
Writing

Mongolian script [Mong], Manchu style, used since 1599. Mongolian script [Mong], Old Manchu style, no longer in use.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Buddhist.