Lingao

A language of China

ISO 639: onb
Alternate Names: Bê, Limkow, Linkow, Ong-Be, Ongbe, Vo Limkou
Population: 600,000 (2000 Liang Min). 350,000 Lincheng, 170,000 Qiongshan. 100,000 monolinguals.
Location:: Hainan province: Lingao county, parts of Chengmai, Danxian, and Qiongshan counties on north central coast; Haikou city suburbs.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous). Language of recognized nationality: Han.
Classification: Kra-Dai, Kam-Tai, Lakkja
Dialects: Lincheng (Lingao Proper-Dengmai), Qiongshan.
Typology: SVO; Lincheng reportedly has 7 tone categories, Qiongshan 13. Loans from Cantonese [yue] and Hainan variety of Min Nan Chinese [nan].
Language Use: Vigorous. Other speakers in the area use it. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Min Nan Chinese [nan], especially urban residents and in secondary schools. 200,000 speak the Hainan dialect.
Language Development: Chinese characters read with Lingao pronounciation. Taught in primary schools. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar.
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Buddhist, Daoist.

Location: Hainan province: Lingao county, parts of Chengmai, Danxian, and Qiongshan counties on north central coast; Haikou city suburbs.