Alternate Names: Bisu, Guba, Lawmeh
Dialects: Laopin. Reportedly similar to Pyen , and Bisu ,. Lexical similarity: 93%–95% between Laopin and Laomian, 88% with Bisu , in Thailand.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Lahu.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 1,600 (2007), decreasing. 240 Laopin (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 5,000 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population does not include Laopin.
Language Use: Use of Chinese [cmn] is increasing and leading to language shift. Home. Neutral attitudes. High levels of bilingualism in Lahu [lhu]. High levels of bilingualism in Chinese [cmn].
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: The name ‘Laomian’ is the Chinese derivation of the Lahu name ‘Lawmeh’.