Page Type: languageLisu | Ethnologue

LIS ISO 639-3

Lisu

Lisu, ꓡꓲ-ꓢꓴ‎ (Li-su) Autonym

A language of China

ISO 639
lis
Alternate Names
Chedi, Cheli, Chung, Khae, Leisu, Leshuoopa, Lesuo, Li, Li-Hsaw, Li-Shaw, Lip’a, Lisaw, Lishu, Liso, Lissu, Loisu, Lu-Tzu, Lusu, Yao Yen, Yaw Yin, Yaw-Yen, Yeh-Jen
Autonym
Lisu, ꓡꓲ-ꓢꓴ‎ (Li-su)
Population
600,000 in China (2000 census), increasing. Ethnic population: 703,000 (2010 census). Total users in all countries: 942,700.
Location:
Sichuan province: southwest Liangshan prefecture; Yunnan province: 11 prefectures, 63 counties, upper reaches of Mekong and Salween rivers.
Language Status
3 (Wider communication). Language of recognized nationality: Lisu. Some 7,000 members of the Nu nationality in China, and more in Myanmar, speak only Lisu.
Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Central
Dialects
Bai Lisu (White Lisu), Dechang Lisu, Hei Lisu (Black Lisu), Hua Lisu (Flowery Lisu), Lu Shi Lisu, Ninglang Lisu, Northern Lisu, Nujiang Lisu, Shibacha Lisu, Western Lisu. Much dialectal variation; some do not understand each other.
Typology
SOV; postpositions; classifiers; isolating language; no passives; aspect markers; causatives; topic markers; 28 consonants and 10 vowels; tonal (6 tones).
Language Use
Vigorous. Speakers of other languages in the area use Lisu for administration, religion, and bilingual education in schools. In Drung and Nu areas, oral and written Lisu are used for Christian activities. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Central Bai [bca]. Also use Central Tibetan [bod]. Also use Jingpho [kac]. Also use Lü [khb]. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn], especially in secondary schools. Also use Naxi [nxq]. Used as L2 by Anong [nun], Central Bai [bca], Drung [duu], Northern Pumi [pmi], Nusu [nuf], Southern Pumi [pmj], Zaiwa [atb], Zauzou [zal].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: High. Literacy rate in L2: Moderate in Chinese. Literacy taught through churches, rather than schools. Taught in primary schools. Literature. Newspapers. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1968–1986.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lisu
Writing
Latin script [Latn], used in 1915–1918, 1958–1966, and from 1981. Lisu (Fraser) script [Lisu], used since 1918, primary usage.
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Lisu
User Population
2,700 in India (Bradley 2007b).
Location
Arunachal Pradesh state: Changlang district, Miao and Vijoynagar sub-district, 6 villages, Gandhigram being largest.
Language Status
5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments
Non-indigenous. The Lisu people are called Yobin or Yawyin by the Singpho [sgp] people. Christian.
View other languages of India
Language Name
Lisu
User Population
300,000 in Myanmar (Bradley 2007a).
Location
Kachin state: Putao township toward Assam border, also Myitkyina; Mandalay region: Mogok township; Sagaing region: Katha and Tygyaing townships; Shan state: Lashio and Loilen townships.
Dialects
Hwa Lisu (Flowery Lisu), Black Lisu, Lu Shi Lisu.
Language Status
3 (Wider communication)
Other Comments
All 3 dialects are found in Myanmar. Black Lisu is most distinct. The Lisu in Myanmar and Thailand have difficulties in communicating due to dialect differences. Christian.
View other languages of Myanmar
Language Name
Lisu
User Population
40,000 in Thailand (Bradley 2007b).
Location
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Sukhothai, and Tak provinces.
Dialects
Lu Shi Lisu.
Language Status
5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments
Non-indigenous. Traditional religion, Christian.
View other languages of Thailand

Map

Location: Sichuan province: southwest Liangshan prefecture; Yunnan province: 11 prefectures, 63 counties, upper reaches of Mekong and Salween rivers.