Page Type: languageBunu, Bu-Nao | Ethnologue

BWX ISO 639-3

Bunu, Bu-Nao

A language of China

ISO 639
bwx
Alternate Names
Bu-Nao Bunu, Bunao, Bunu, Po-Nau, Pu Nu, Punu
Population
400,000 (Shearer and Sun 2017). 97,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 439,000 (1982 census). 100,000 ethnic Bunu speak Central Hongshuihe Zhuang [zch] as L1.
Location:
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: 22 counties, Bama, Bose, Dahua, Debao, Donglan, Du’an, Fengshan, Hechi, Laibin, Leye, Lingyun, Long’an, Luocheng, Mashan, Nandan, Pingguo, Shanglin, Tiandeng, Tiandong, Tianlin, Tianyang, and Xincheng; Guizhou province: Libo county; Hunan province: near Guangxi border; Yunnan province: Funing county.
Language Status
6b (Threatened). Language of recognized nationality: Yao.
Classification
Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Bunu
Dialects
Dongnu (Punu, Tung Nu), Nunu, Bunuo (Pu No), Baonao (Baonuo, Nao Khalo, Nao Klao, Naogelao, Nau Klau, Pounou), Numao (Hong Yao, Nu Mhou). The dialects listed may be at least 5 languages (Strecker 1987), communication is difficult (McConnell 1995).
Typology
SVO; modifiers follow heads; up to 11 affixes; complex set of initials including prenasalized stops; relatively simple rhymes; tonal, most dialects have 8 tones.
Language Use
Vigorous. All domains. Some of all ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Bouyei [pcc]. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Mandarin Chinese used in schools.
Language Development
Dictionary.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bunu, Bu-Nao
Writing
Latin script [Latn], used at least since 1988.
Other Comments
Daoist, traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: 22 counties, Bama, Bose, Dahua, Debao, Donglan, Du’an, Fengshan, Hechi, Laibin, Leye, Lingyun, Long’an, Luocheng, Mashan, Nandan, Pingguo, Shanglin, Tiandeng, Tiandong, Tianlin, Tianyang, and Xincheng; Guizhou province: Libo county; Hunan province: near Guangxi border; Yunnan province: Funing county.