Lakkia

A language of China

ISO 639: lbc
Alternate Names: Chashan Yao, Lajia, Laka, Lakia, Lakja, Lakkja, Tai Laka, Tea Mountain Yao
Population: 9,000 (Bradley 2007a). 4,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 12,000 (Bradley 2007b).
Location:: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Jinxiu Yao autonomous county.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous). Language of recognized nationality: Yao.
Classification: Kra-Dai, Kam-Tai, Lakkja
Dialects: Phonetically similar to Iu Mien [ium], word order to Bunu [bwx]. Not intelligible with Hmong Djua [hnj] or Bunu. Minimal variation within Lakkia. Lexical similarity: 45% with Dong [doc], 23% with Lachi [lbt] and Qabiao [laq], 22% with Gelao.
Typology: SVO; modifiers follow heads; consonant clusters and palatalized and labialized onsets; voiced and voiceless nasal onsets; long-short vowel distinction; 6 basic tone categories in unchecked syllables and 2 in checked with further split in checked syllables according to vowel length.
Language Use: Vigorous. Some speakers of other languages use Lakkia for trade. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Iu Mien [ium]. Also use Liuqian Zhuang [zlq]. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Used as L2 by Jiongnai Bunu [pnu].
Language Development: Dictionary.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Lakkia
Writing: Lisu (Fraser) script [Lisu], no longer in use.
Other Comments: The language is nonetheless Tai-Kadai (1990 J-O. Svantesson). Daoist, traditional religion.

Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Jinxiu Yao autonomous county.