Alternate Names: Xumi
Dialects: Restricted mutual intelligibility between the Upper and the Lower Reaches dialects; salient phonological, lexical and grammatical differences between the two varieties.
Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Tibetan.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 1,800 (2000 D. Bradley). 1,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 2,000 (2000 D. Bradley).
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Tibetan [bod] is used in temples. 500 also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Also use Khams Tibetan [khg], Lahu [lhu], Naxi [nxq], Northern Pumi [pmi], Southern Pumi [pmj].
Language Development: Poetry. Dictionary.
Typology: SOV; adjectives and number-classifier constructions follow noun heads; consonant cluster initials; tonal, 2 tones, word-template tone.
Nation of Origin: China
Other Comments: Buddhist (Lamaist), traditional religion.