Page Type: languageLahu | Ethnologue

LHU ISO 639-3

Lahu

Ladhof Autonym

A language of China

ISO 639
lhu
Alternate Names
Black Lahu, Kaixien, Kucong, Kutsong, Lahu Na, Lahuna, Laku, Moso, Muhso, Muhsur, Mussar, Musser Dam, Musso, Mussur, Na, Namen, Northern Lahu, “Lohei” (pej.)
Autonym
Ladhof
Population
280,000 in China (Bradley 2007b). Ethnic population: 486,000 (2010 census). Includes Kucong [lkc], Lahu Shi [lhi], Lamu [llh], Laomian [lwm], and Lawu [lwu] (2010 census). Total users in all countries: 543,300.
Location:
Yunnan province: Lincang prefecture, Gengma Dai, and Va autonomous counties; Simao prefecture, Lahu, Lancang Lahu, Menglian Dai, and Va autonomous counties.
Language Status
4 (Educational). Language of recognized nationality: Lahu.
Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central
Dialects
Standard dialect: Na. Black Lahu dialect and Lahu Shi [lhi] have difficult intelligibility. Lahu Shi and Kucong Lahupu (White Lahu dialect, in Zhenyuan County, China) are distinct.
Typology
SOV; noun head initial; classifiers; dual number; aspect; causatives; 24 consonants and 9 vowels; tonal (7 tones).
Language Use
Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Blang [blr]. Also use Hani [hni]. Also use Lü [khb]. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Also use Vo Wa [wbm]. Used as L2 by Lahu Shi [lhi], Laomian [lwm], Sangkong [sgk], Shuhi [sxg], Vo Wa [wbm].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 63%. Literacy rate in L2: Low in Chinese. Taught in primary schools. Literature. Newspapers. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1989.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lahu
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Lahu
User Population
19,200 in Laos (2015 census), increasing. , based on ethnicity.
Location
Bokeo province: Houayxay, Peung, and Tonpheung districts; Luang Namtha province: Long district.
Dialects
White Lahu (Lahu Phu).
Language Status
6a (Vigorous)
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Christian.
View other languages of Laos
Language Name
Lahu
User Population
200,000 in Myanmar (2012 D. Bradley), increasing.
Location
Shan state: Kentung district.
Language Status
3 (Wider communication)
Other Comments
Christian, traditional religion.
View other languages of Myanmar
Language Name
Lahu
User Population
32,000 in Thailand (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001).
Location
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Mae Hong Son, Yala provinces: 119 known villages.
Dialects
Lahu Na (Black Lahu, Loheirn, Musser Dam, Northern Lahu), Nyi (Lahu Nyi, Lahunyi, Musseh Daeng, Red Lahu, Southern Lahu), Shehleh (Lahu Shehleh).
Language Status
4 (Educational)
Other Comments
Non-indigenous. Traditional religion, Christian.
View other languages of Thailand
Language Name
Lahu
User Population
12,100 in Viet Nam (2019 census). , based on ethnicity.
Location
Lai Chau province: northwest border with Laos. North of Muong Te city near China border, at Ban Kiem Tra, Phu Nam Ma, Phu Nam Cau, and Phu Nam Ha (Black Lahu); Muong Te, east of Nha Ca, 1 village (White Lahu).
Dialects
Black Lahu (Khucong, Lahu Na, Musser Dam, Na), Red Lahu (Lahu Nyi, Musseh Daeng, Nyi), Shehleh, White Lahu (Lahu Phung).
Language Status
6b (Threatened)
Other Comments
Non-indigenous. La Hu is an official ethnic community. Distinct from Lahu Shi (Yellow Lahu) [lhi]. One source called them White Lahu. It is not clear if these are the same as Red Lahu, Black Lahu. Traditional religion.
View other languages of Vietnam

Map

Location: Yunnan province: Lincang prefecture, Gengma Dai, and Va autonomous counties; Simao prefecture, Lahu, Lancang Lahu, Menglian Dai, and Va autonomous counties.