Nisu, Northern

YIV

threatened

Alternate Names: E-Xin Yi

Dialects: Nasu, Nisu. Nasu dialect is distinct from the Nasu language continuum located further north.

Status Notes: Language of recognized nationality: Yi.

Genealogy:

Sino-Tibetan
Tibeto-Burman
Ngwi-Burmese
Ngwi
Southeastern

Demographics: 160,000, decreasing.

Language Use: The language is active in areas with high concentrations of Nisu. However, there is increasing borrowing of lexical items from Chinese. Code switching between Nisu and Chinese is common. Many men and women spend part of the year working in predominantly Chinese towns or cities. Home, village, work. Mainly adults. Neutral attitudes. Also use Eastern Nisu [nos], Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Used as L2 by Eastern Nisu [nos].

Nation of Origin: China