Alternate Names: Chashan Yao, Lajia, Laka, Lakia, Lakja, Lakkja, Tai Laka, Tea Mountain Yao
Dialects: Phonetically similar to Iu Mien ,, word order to Bunu ,. Not intelligible with Hmong Djua , or Bunu. Minimal variation within Lakkia. Lexical similarity: 45% with Dong ,, 23% with Lachi , and Qabiao ,, 22% with Gelao.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Yao.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 9,000 (Bradley 2007). 4,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 12,000 (Bradley 2007).
Language Use: Vigorous. Some speakers of other languages use Lakkia for trade. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Iu Mien [ium], Liuqian Zhuang [zlq], Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Used as L2 by Jiongnai Bunu [pnu].
Language Development: Dictionary. Grammar.
Typology: SVO; modifiers follow heads; consonant clusters and palatalized and labialized onsets; voiced and voiceless nasal onsets; long-short vowel distinction; 6 basic tone categories in unchecked syllables and 2 in checked with further split in checked syllables according to vowel length.
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: The language is nonetheless Tai-Kadai (1990 J-O. Svantesson). Daoist, traditional religion.