Page Type: languageLachi | Ethnologue

LBT ISO 639-3

Lachi

A language of Viet Nam

ISO 639
lbt
Alternate Names
Cu-Tê, Cù Te, La Chi, Lachí, Laji, Lati, Lipulio, Mia, Tai Lati, Y, Y Pí, Y Póng, Y To
Population
5,000 in Viet Nam (Bradley 2007a). 3,990 women, in 1,450 households (Liang 1990), including Black Lachi 2,500 in 550 households, Long-Haired Lachi 4,500 in 900 households. 15,000 for all La Chi in Viet Nam (2019 census). Ethnic population: 15,100 (2019 census). Total users in all countries: 5,200.
Location:
Ha Giang province: west of Ha Giang in upper Clear River valley (Riviere Claire) on China border. Black Lachi in Manyou, Long-Haired Lachi in Manpeng.
Language Status
6b* (Threatened). Language of recognized ethnic group: La Chi.
Classification
Kra-Dai, Kra, Western Kra
Dialects
Liputiõ (Black Lachi), Lipupi (Long-Haired Lachi). Related to Gelao. Lexical similarity: Long-Haired Lachi of Viet Nam: 80% with Flowery Lachi [lbt] of China, White Lachi [lwh] of Viet Nam: 30%–40% with the others, and should be considered a separate language, 36% with Gelao, 33% with Qabiao [laq], 22% with Dong [doc], 23% with Laka, 25% with Hlai [lic].
Language Use
Continue to use the language. Also use Chinese [zho]. Also use Zhuang [zha], and some varieties of Miao.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lachi
Writing
Unwritten [Qaax].
Other Comments
‘Red’, ‘Flowery’, refer to clothing color or other features of physical appearance. Traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Lachi
User Population
200 in China (Bradley 2007a), decreasing. No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 2,600.
Location
Yunnan province: Miao and Wenshan Zhuang autonomous prefectures, southern Maguan county, several villages.
Dialects
Lipute (Bag Lachi), Liputcio (Han Lachi), Lipuke (Red Lachi), Lipuliongtco (Flowery Lachi), Liputiõ (Black Lachi), Lipupi (Long-Haired Lachi).
Language Status
8a (Moribund)
Other Comments
Ethnic Lachi in Nanlao (Bag Lachi), Renhe (Han or Sinocized Lachi), Jiahanqing (Han or Sinocized Lachi) and Xiaobazi (Red Lachi) no longer speak Lachi fluently, but understand some.
View other languages of China

Map

Location: Ha Giang province: west of Ha Giang in upper Clear River valley (Riviere Claire) on China border. Black Lachi in Manyou, Long-Haired Lachi in Manpeng.