Alternate Names: Baliu, Lai, Lailai, Paliu, Palju, Palyu, Polyu
Dialects: None known. May be similar to Bugan ,, which is the nearest Mon-Khmer language geographically.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Gelao.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 500 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 1,770 (Bradley 2007).
Typology: SVO; modifiers follow heads; grammatical relations marked mainly by word order and particles; reported to have long and half long versus short vowel distinction; uvular stops; 6 tone categories in unchecked syllables plus 5 in checked syllables. Shows similarities to Kadai languages.
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: Ethnonym: Lai in Chinese. Traditional religion.