Bolyu

A language of China

ISO 639: ply
Alternate Names: Baliu, Buliu, Lai, Lai Yu, Lailai, Paliu, Palju, Palyu, Polyu
Population: 500 (Bradley 2007a). Ethnic population: 1,770 (Bradley 2007b).
Location:: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: borders of Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, Longlin and Xilin counties, in 2 groups; possibly in Yunnan.
Language Status: 8a (Moribund). Language of recognized nationality: Gelao.
Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Palyu
Dialects: None known. May be similar to Bugan [bbh], which is the nearest Mon-Khmer language geographically.
Typology: SVO; modifiers follow heads; grammatical relations marked mainly by word order and particles; reported to have long and half long versus short vowel distinction; uvular stops; 6 tone categories in unchecked syllables plus 5 in checked syllables. Shows similarities to Kadai languages.
Language Use: Shifted to Mandarin Chinese [cmn].
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Bolyu
Writing: Unwritten [Qaax].
Other Comments: Traditional religion.

Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: borders of Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, Longlin and Xilin counties, in 2 groups; possibly in Yunnan.