Alternate Names: Chedi, Cheli, Chung, Khae, Leisu, Leshuoopa, Lesuo, Li, Li-Hsaw, Lip’a, Lisaw, Li-Shaw, Lishu, Liso, Lissu, Loisu, Lusu, Lu-Tzu, Yao Yen, Yaw Yin, Yaw-Yen, Yeh-Jen
Dialects: Bai Lisu (White Lisu), Dechang Lisu, Hei Lisu (Black Lisu), Hua Lisu (Flowery Lisu), Lu Shi Lisu, Ninglang Lisu, Northern Lisu, Nujiang Lisu, Shibacha Lisu, Western Lisu. Much dialectal variation; some do not understand each other.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Lisu.Some 7,000 members of the Nu nationality in China, and more in Myanmar, speak only Lisu.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 600,000 in China (2000 census), increasing. Population total all countries: 942,700.
Language Use: Vigorous. Speakers of other languages in the area use Lisu for administration, religion, and bilingual education in schools. In Drung and Nu areas, oral and written Lisu are used for Christian activities. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Chinese [cmn]. Chinese is used in secondary schools. Also use Central Bai [bca], Central Tibetan [bod], Jingpho [kac], Lü [khb], Naxi [nxq]. Used as L2 by Anong [nun], Central Bai [bca], Drung [duu], Northern Pumi [pmi], Nusu [nuf], Southern Pumi [pmj], Zaiwa [atb], Zauzou [zal].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: High. Literacy rate in L2: Medium. Chinese. Literacy taught through churches, rather than schools. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1968–1986.
Typology: SOV; tonal, 6 tones.
Writing System: Latin, Lisu (Fraser)
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.