Alternate Names: Cung, Daiya, Huayao Dai, Multi-colored Waistband Tai, Tai Cung, Tai-Chung, Tai-Cung, Ya, Yuanxin Hongjin Dai
Dialects: Tai Chung (Cung, Dai Zhong), Tai Kha (Dai Ka), Tai Sai (Dai Sai), Tai Ya. Dialects mutually intelligible, though speakers of the latter 3 may understand Tai Ya dialect (the largest) more easily than speakers of Tai Ya understand the other 3 dialects. Some linguists have analyzed Tai Ya as most similar to Tai Nüa ,, others have grouped Tai Ya with other non-Buddhist Southwestern Tai groups. Tai Ya is probably not easily intelligible with other varieties of Tai.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Dai.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 50,000 in China (2000 census). Population total all countries: 50,400. Ethnic population: 50,000 (2000 census). Based on county level Dai populations.
Language Use: Most domains. All ages. Positive attitudes.
Language Development: Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1922.
Typology: SVO; tonal, 6 tone categories in unchecked syllables, 2 (split into 4 according to vowel length) in checked syllables; nasal and stop finals.
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: Called Daiya or Huayao Dai (Multi-colored Waistband Dai) in China. Traditional religion, Christian.