Alternate Names: Bê, Limkow, Linkow, Ongbe, Ong-Be, Vo Limkou
Dialects: Lincheng (Lingao Proper-Dengmai), Qiongshan.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Han.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 600,000 (2000 Liang Min). 350,000 Lincheng, 170,000 Qiongshan. 100,000 monolinguals.
Language Use: Vigorous. Other speakers in the area use it. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Urban residents also use Hainan dialect of Min Nan Chinese [nan]. 300,000 also speak Chinese, 200,000 use the Hainan dialect, 100,000 speaking Jun or Danzhou dialects. Chinese used in secondary schools.
Language Development: Chinese characters read with Lingao pronounciation. Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar.
Typology: SVO; Lincheng reportedly has 7 tone categories, Qiongshan 13. Loans from Cantonese , and Hainan variety of Min Nan Chinese ,.
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Buddhist, Daoist.