Bolyu
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A language of China
Alternate Names
Baliu, Buliu, Lai, Lai Yu, Lailai, Paliu, Palju, Palyu, Polyu
User Population
500 (Bradley 2007a). Ethnic population: 1,770 (Bradley 2007b).
Location
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: borders of Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, Longlin and Xilin counties, in 2 groups; possibly in Yunnan.
Language Maps
Language Status
8a (Moribund). Language of recognized nationality: Gelao.
Dialects
None known. May be similar to Bugan [bbh], which is the nearest Mon-Khmer language geographically.
Typology
SVO; modifiers follow heads; grammatical relations marked mainly by word order and particles; reported to have long and half long versus short vowel distinction; uvular stops; 6 tone categories in unchecked syllables plus 5 in checked syllables. Shows similarities to Kadai languages.
Language Use
Shifted to Mandarin Chinese [cmn].
Traditional religion.