Achang

ACN

shifting

Alternate Names: Acang, Ach’ang, Achung, Ahchan, Atsang, Maingtha, Mönghsa, Ngacang, Ngac’ang, Ngachang, Ngatsang, Ngo Chang, Ngochang, Xiandao

Dialects: Husa (Chintaw, Xiandao), Lianghe, Longchuan, Luxi. Each of the 3 main counties has a distinctive dialect (Statistical Bureau of Yunnan Province 2004). No reported intelligibility between dialects. Longchuan differs more from the others, with more Dai loanwords. Lianghe and Luxi use many Chinese loanwords. There are also Burmese , loanwords. Related to Hpon ,, Maru ,, Lashi ,, Zaiwa ,.

Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Achang.

Genealogy:

Sino-Tibetan
Tibeto-Burman
Ngwi-Burmese
Burmish
Northern

Demographics: 27,700 in China (1990 census). Population total all countries: 62,700. Ethnic population: 34,000 (2000 census).

Language Use: Longchuan dialect is stable, but other dialect speakers are shifting to Chinese. Many Han people in Longchuan County use Achang in informal situations. All domains. Mainly adults. Also use Chinese [zho], Jingpho [kac], Tai Nüa [tdd].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 86% (2000 census). Bible: 2011.

Typology: SOV; tonal, 4 tones.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: China

Other Comments: Mingled with Lashi ,. Buddhist (Hinayana).