Northwest China: Everyday Phrases-Endangered Languages

Northwest China: Everyday Phrases in Endangered Languages

Northwest China is home to several endangered languages spoken by small ethnic communities. These languages are at risk as younger generations shift to Mandarin. Learning even a few words helps keep them alive. Below are common phrases in these endangered languages, including pronunciation and English meaning.

1. Salar (Turkic language)

Hello, good morning! – Sa’alamu alaykum! (سَلامو عَلَيْكُمْ) (sah-LAH-moo ah-LAY-koom)
I am hungry. – Min ajilǝm. (meen AH-jee-lum)
Have a good night! – Tün kechik qutluq bolsun! (tuen KEH-cheek koot-LOOK bol-sun)
Thank you. – Rehmet! (reh-MET)
What is your name? – Sening atın ne? (SEH-neeng AH-tin neh?)

2. Western Yugur (Mongolic language)

Hello, good morning! – Sain bain uu? (sain bain oo?)
I am hungry. – Bi ödörlödog. (bee ö-der-lo-dog)
Have a good night! – *Sain üdşün! * (sain üd-shoon!)
Thank you. – *Bayarlal! * (ba-YAR-lal!)
What is your name? – Tani ner yuu ve? (ta-nee ner yoo ve?)

3. Dongxiang (Mongolic language)

Hello, good morning! – Sa’laam! (sah-LAAM!)
I am hungry. – Minin xa buluda. (MEE-neen HA boo-loo-dah)
Have a good night! – *Uxsum ol! * (ookh-sum OL!)
Thank you. – Xudaq be! (khoo-DAKH beh!)
What is your name? – Ni nə məngə? (nee nuh MENG-guh?)

4. Lop Nur Uighur (Turkic language)

Hello, good morning! – Yaxshimusiz! (YAK-shi-moo-siz!)
I am hungry. – Men aç. (men ACH!)
Have a good night! – Yaxshi tün! (YAK-shi tun!)
Thank you. – Rahmet! (RAH-met!)
What is your name? – Ismingiz näme? (IS-meeng-iz NEH-meh?)

5. Kangjia (Mixed language)

Hello, good morning! – Sain shav! (sain SHAHV!)
I am hungry. – Bi nǝr julǝk! (bee NER JOO-lek!)
Have a good night! – Sain un tʰe! (sain OON THE!)
Thank you. – Bayarla! (BAI-yar-la!)
What is your name? – Tani nǝr ge? (TA-nee ner GE?)

Conclusion

Northwest China endangered languages in small ethnic communities.Read common phrases with pronunciation and English meaning
Northwest China’s endangered languages are a window into centuries of culture and history. Each phrase carries traditional knowledge and identity, connecting speakers to their roots. Sadly, these languages are declining as Mandarin becomes more dominant. By learning and using these phrases, we support linguistic diversity and help keep these unique voices alive.