Zhuang, Zuojiang

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A language of China

ISO 639-3
zzj
Alternate Names
Canto, Ken Tho, Longyin, Longzhou, Nongz Anx, Pho Thai, Potai, Pu Tho, Puto, Southern Zhuang, Zhuangyu nanbu fangyan Zuojiang tuyu
User Population

1,500,000 in China (2000 census). 35,000 in Jingxi and Napo counties. Total users in all countries: 1,840,000.

Location

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Chongzuo, Daxin, Jingxi, Longzhou, Ningming, Pingxiang, and Tiandeng counties; Yunnan province: Funing county, a few villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous). Language of recognized nationality: Zhuang.

Classification
Kra-Dai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Central
Dialects

None known. Most similar languages are Yang Zhuang [zyg], Yongnan Zhuang [zyn], Nong Zhuang [zhn], and other Nung languages of Vietnam. Lexical similarity: 70% between Nong [zhn], Yang [zyg], Yongnan, and Dai [zhd], 65% with Yongbei Zhuang [zyb]. A member of macrolanguage Zhuang [zha].

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn], particularly the southwestern dialect. Also use Yue Chinese [yue].

Language Development

Literature.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Zhuang, Zuojiang
Writing

Han (Hanzi, Kanji, Hanja) script [Hani], dating from Han dynasty, mainly used in non-official domains, gaining popularity.

Other Comments

The language is named for Zuojiang river that runs through this area, from northern Vietnam into Longzhou, Chongzuo, and Fusui counties. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Daoist.

Also spoken in:

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