Zauzou

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
zal
Alternate Names
Jaojo, Raorou, Rourou
User Population

2,100 (Bradley 2007b). 210 monolinguals. Mainly older adults. Ethnic population: 2,500 (1999 Sun Hong Kai).

Location

Yunnan province: Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, Lanping county, Biji, Guoli, Jiangmo, Tu’e, Wupijiang, and Xiaocun districts; Lushui county, Liukuzhen, Luzhang, and Shuilizhai districts and townships.

Language Maps
Language Status

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

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

Bijilan, Wupijiang.

Typology

SOV; no consonant clusters; no checked syllables; tense-lax and nasalized-unnasalized vowel distinctions; tonal, 6 tones.

Language Use

All domains. Some young people, all adults. Used less by young people and children. Positive attitudes. Some also use Lisu [lis]. Also use Central Bai [bca]. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 68% in any language (2000 census, Nu nationality). Grammar.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Zauzou
Other Comments

Officially classified within Nu nationality with Anong [nun], Nusu [nuf], and 5,500 ethnic Nung who speak Drung [duu]. Traditional religion, Daoist.