Nisu, Northern
PrintPrimary tabs
A language of China
Alternate Names
E-Xin Yi, Nasupho, Nisupho
User Population
160,000, decreasing.
Location
Yunnan povince: Chengjiang, Ehan, Jiangchuan, Jinning, north Shiping, Shuangbai, Xinping, north Yuanjiang, Yimen, and Yuxi counties.
Language Maps
Language Status
6b (Threatened). Language of recognized nationality: Yi.
Dialects
Nasu, Nisu. Nasu dialect is distinct from the Nasu language continuum located further north.
Language Use
The language is active in areas with high concentrations of Nisu. However, there is increasing borrowing of lexical items from Chinese. Code switching between Nisu and Chinese is common. Many men and women spend part of the year working in predominantly Chinese towns or cities. Home, village, work. Some young people, all adults. Neutral attitudes. Also use Eastern Nisu [nos]. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Used as L2 by Eastern Nisu [nos].