Common Phrases in Southwest China’s Endangered Languages

Southwest China is home to many endangered languages, spoken by small ethnic groups across Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou. Many of these languages are at risk due to the spread of Mandarin and regional dialects. Learning a few common phrases can help preserve these linguistic traditions and keep them alive.

Below are five common sentences translated into various endangered languages of Southwest China, including pronunciation and English meanings:

Nuosu (Yi Language)

Hello, good morning! – “Op lat!” (ohp LAHT!)
I am hungry. – “Nga muop pyp.” (ngah mwohp pwehp)
Have a good night! – “At jjy nup!” (aht jjee noohp!)
Thank you! – “Ax jjy!” (ahx jjee!)
Where is the market? – “Sy hnu jjy?” (syee hnoo jjee?)

Hani

Hello, good morning! – “Mei ho!” (may hoh!)
I am hungry. – “Nga mopi ma.” (ngah moh-pee mah)
Have a good night! – “Hoq ma-me!” (hohk mah-meh!)
Thank you! – “A bo!” (ah boh!)
Where is the market? – “Shili yaq la?” (shee-lee yahk lah?)

Lahu

Hello, good morning! – “O ve meh!” (oh veh meh!)
I am hungry. – “G’a gha hpa!” (gah ghah pah!)
Have a good night! – “O ve ya meh!” (oh veh yah meh!)
Thank you! – “G’aw shui!” (gaw shwee!)
Where is the market? – “Mi pu ga ve?” (mee poo gah veh?)

Zhuang

Hello, good morning! – “Ndaej mwngz!” (nday moongz!)
I am hungry. – “Goh baek nga!” (goh bahk ngah!)
Have a good night! – “Daengz bae!” (dengz bay!)
Thank you! – “Yau xieng!” (yow syeng!)
Where is the market? – “Beih yaem daem?” (bay yahm dam?)

Conclusion

Read five common sentences translated into various endangered languages of Southwest China, including pronunciation and English meanings:The endangered languages of Southwest China are rich in history and culture. However, modernization and linguistic assimilation have led to their decline. By learning simple phrases, we help sustain these languages and honor the communities that speak them. Language preservation is essential for maintaining cultural diversity and identity.