Mpi language
| Mpi | |
|---|---|
| Kaw | |
| Native to | Thailand, perhaps China |
| Ethnicity | 1500 |
| Native speakers | 900 (date missing) |
| Language family | |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | mpz |
Mpi is a Loloish language of Thailand. The number of speakers is in decline. It is spoken in the following two villages in northern Thailand.
- Ban Dong, Tambon Suan Khuean, Amphoe Mueang, Phrae Province
- Ban Sakoeng, Tambon Jod, Amphoe Song Khwae, Nan Province
Since the Mpi of Thailand had migrated from Mengla, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China over 300 years ago, there could also possibly be Mpi speakers in China (Nahhas 2007). A related language called Muda is spoken in Nanlianshan District, Jinghong County.
Phonology
Mpi has six tones and two phonations in its vowels, modal voice and stiff voice:
| Tone | Modal voice | Stiff voice |
|---|---|---|
| Low | sì 'blood' | sì̬ 'seven' |
| Low rising | si᷅ 'putrid' | si̬᷅ 'dried up' |
| Mid | sī (a color) | sī̬ (a classifier) |
| Mid rising | sǐ 'to roll' | sǐ̬ 'to smoke' |
| High | sí 'four' | sí̬ (a name) |
| High rising | si᷄ 'to die' | si̬᷄ (a name) |
References
Ladefoged, Peter; Maddieson, Ian (1996). The Sounds of the World's Languages. Oxford: Blackwell. ISBN 0-631-19814-8.
- Nahhas, Ramzi W. 2007. Sociolinguistic Survey of Mpi in Thailand. SIL International.
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