Alternate Names: Naimuci, Naimuzi
Dialects: Eastern Namuyi, Western Namuyi. Low intelligibility between dialects, with lexical and phonological differences.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Tibetan.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 5,000 (Bradley 2007). 200 monolinguals. Mainly older adults. Ethnic population: 5,000 (Bradley 2007).
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. 500 also use Lipo [lpo]. 2,000 also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. 500 also use Northern Pumi [pmi]. Also use Central Tibetan [bod], Ersu [ers].
Language Development: Generally better educated than Yi or Tibetan peoples. Dictionary. Grammar.
Typology: SOV; adjectives and number-classifier constructions follow noun heads; compounding; affixation; consonant cluster onsets but no consonantal codas; tense-lax vowel distinction; nasalized and retroflexed vowels; tonal, 4 tones.
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Buddhist, Daoist.