Alternate Names: Elunchun, Olunchun, Orochen, Orochon, Oronchon, Ulunchun
Dialects: Birarchen, Kumarchen, Orochen, Selpechen. Gankui in Inner Mongolia is the standard dialect.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Oroqen.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 1,200 (Li Fengxiang and Whaley 2009). 30% of ethnic group (Salminen 2007). Only 12 fluent speakers in 1990, all over 65 yrs (Li Fengxiang and Whaley 2009). 800 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 8,200 (2000 census).
Language Use: Kumarchen dialect has some child speakers; Birarchen is moribund (Salminen 2007). All domains. Mostly middle-aged or elderly (Salminen 2007). Positive attitudes. Also use Daur [dta], Evenki [evn], Mandarin Chinese [cmn], Peripheral Mongolian [mvf], Russian [rus]. Used as L2 by Daur [dta], Evenki [evn].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 97% in any language (2000 census, Oroqen nationality). Radio programs.
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: Maintain native language and customs. Came to China from the Russian Federation. Traditional religion.