Alternate Names: Aci, Aji, Atshi, Atsi, Atsi-Maru, Atzi, Azi, Szi, Tsaiwa, Xiaoshanhua
Dialects: Bengwa, Longzhun, Tingzhu. Some consider Pela , (Bola, Polo, Pala), Lashi , (Leqi), and Maru , (Langsu, Langwa) to be dialects of Zaiwa. Dialects have only minor phonological differences.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Jingpo.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 80,000 in China (1999 X. Xijian). Population total all countries: 110,000. 20,000 monolinguals.
Language Use: Vigorous. Speakers of other languages in the area also speak Zaiwa. All domains. All ages. Used less by young people and children. Positive attitudes. Intellectuals are concerned about preservation of Zaiwa. Also use Central Bai [bca], Jingpho [kac], Lachi [lbt], Lhao Vo [mhx], Lisu [lis], Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Used as L2 by Jingpho [kac], Lhaovo [mhx].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 50,000 can read and write. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. TV. Dictionary. NT: 2009.
Typology: SOV; 3 tone categories in unchecked syllables and 2 in checked; tense-lax vowel contrast.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Christian, Daoist.