North China: Everyday Phrases in Endangered Languages

North China is home to several endangered languages, spoken by ethnic minorities who have preserved their traditions for centuries. However, many of these languages are at risk due to the increasing dominance of Mandarin Chinese. Learning and using basic phrases helps keep these languages alive.

Below are five common phrases in endangered languages from North China, including original language, pronunciation, and English meaning.

1. Manchu (Spoken fluently by only a handful, with efforts to revive it)

• Hello, good morning → “Sain be!” (sain be)
• I am hungry → “Bi gesi fonjifi.” (bi gəʃi fɔndʒifi)
• Have a good night → “Bi kai beye sain yabumbi.” (bi kai bejɛ sain jabumbi)
• Where are you from? → “Si ubaliyambu?” (si ubalijambu)
• Thank you very much → “Aiban akdun!” (aiban akdun)

2. Xibe (Closely related to Manchu, spoken in Xinjiang but declining in daily use)

• Hello, good morning → “Saiyin!” (sai-jin)
• I am hungry → “Min jiqer baxi.” (min dʒiqer baʃi)
• Have a good night → “Amar be sain yabumbi.” (amar be sain yabumbi)
• Where are you from? → “Si nendubade de jui?” (si nendubade de dʒui)
• Thank you very much → “Terei juwenci!” (tɛrei dʒuwɛntsi)

3. Daur (A Mongolic language spoken in Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Xinjiang, endangered due to Mandarin influence)

• Hello, good morning → “Sain uu!” (sain uː)
• I am hungry → “Bi olson.” (bi ɔlson)
• Have a good night → “Sain untaarai!” (sain untaraːi)
• Where are you from? → “Ta xaanaas irsen be?” (ta xaːnaːs irsən be)
• Thank you very much → “Bayar la!” (bajar la)

Conclusion

North China’s endangered languages, such as Manchu, Xibe, and Daur, represent the deep history of ethnic communities in the region. While some revitalization efforts exist, these languages are rapidly fading. Using common phrases in daily life can help preserve them. You’ve explored five common phrases in endangered languages from North China, including original language, pronunciation, and English meaning here.

Each word spoken is a step toward keeping North China’s linguistic diversity alive. Whether it’s a simple greeting or expressing gratitude, every phrase supports language preservation. Let’s keep these voices from disappearing!