Alternate Names: Lomi, “Moso” (pej.), “Mosso” (pej.), “Mo-Su” (pej.), Mu, Nahsi, Nakhi, Naqxi, Nasi
Dialects: Lapao, Lijiang, Ludian. Reportedly similar to Narua ,.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Naxi.Official ethnic language of the Narua nationality.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 300,000 (2000 census). 100,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 300,000.
Language Use: Lijiang Old Town attitudes somewhat negative, decreasing number of young speakers. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]; written Chinese in common use. Also use Central Bai [bca], Central Tibetan [bod], English [eng]. Used as L2 by Central Bai [bca], Central Tibetan [bod], Lisu [lis], Northern Pumi [pmi], Nuosu [iii], Shixing [sxg], Southern Pumi [pmj].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 5%. Literacy rate in L2: 40% in Mandarin Chinese. Used as the medium of communication in several Naxi area primary schools. Taught in some schools as a subject for 1 or 2 years. Poetry. Radio programs. TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1932.
Typology: SOV; no checked syllables; tonal, 4 tones (some sub-dialects have only 3 tones).
Writing System: Latin, Naxi Dongba
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: Official ethnic language of the Narua nationality. Buddhist (Lamaist), Buddhist, Confucianist, Daoist.