Southeast China: Everyday Phrases in Endangered Languages

Southeast China is home to several endangered languages spoken by ethnic minorities. These languages hold centuries of history, but they are at risk of disappearing. Below are five common phrases translated into these languages, along with pronunciation and English meaning. Learning and using these phrases can help keep these languages alive. Have fun reading five common phrases translated into these languages, along with pronunciation and English meaning.

1. Shehua (畲话) – Spoken by the She people

• Hello, good morning! – Niang hao! (nyang HAO!) – 你好!
• I am hungry. – Nga daong shuo! (nga DONG shuoh!) – 我肚子饿了!
• Have a good night. – Wan syo hao! (wan SYOH hao!) – 晚安!
• Thank you! – Xia xia ni! (SHAH shah nee!) – 谢谢你!
• Where is the market? – Gai shi zai na? (gai SHEE zai nah?) – 市场在哪里?

2. Xianghua (乡话) – Spoken in Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangxi

• Hello, good morning! – Zao shang hao! (zao SHAHNG hao!) – 早上好!
• I am hungry. – Ngo e le! (ngo UH leh!) – 我饿了!
• Have a good night. – Wan an! (wan AN!) – 晚安!
• How much does this cost? – Ge duozian qian? (geh doh-JYAN chee-AN?) – 这个多少钱?
• Please help me! – Bang mang ah! (bahng MAHNG ah!) – 帮忙啊!

3. Lingao (临高话) – Spoken in Hainan

• Hello, good morning! – Ba do! (bah DOH!) – 你好!
• I am hungry. – Gua kiang sao! (gwa KYANG sow!) – 我肚子饿!
• Have a good night. – Ban doi! (bahn DOI!) – 晚安!
• Where is the bus stop? – Che zan nai ni? (chuh ZAN nai nee?) – 车站在哪里?
• What is your name? – Dai mai mua? (dai MAI moo-ah?) – 你叫什么名字?

4. Tsat (Utsat, 回辉话) – Spoken by the Utsat people in Hainan

• Hello, good morning! – Salam banai! (sah-LAHM bah-NIGH!) – 你好!
• I am hungry. – Saya lapar! (SAH-yah LAH-par!) – 我肚子饿!
• Have a good night. – Selamat malam! (seh-LAH-maht MAH-lahm!) – 晚安!
• Where is the restroom? – Di mana tandas? (dee MAH-nah TAN-dahs?) – 厕所在哪里?
• I need help! – Saya perlu bantuan! (SAH-yah PER-loo bahn-TOO-an!) – 我需要帮助!

5. Cun (村语) – Spoken in Hainan

• Hello, good morning! – Na-ha! (NAH-ha!) – 你好!
• I am hungry. – Nay eng! (NAY eng!) – 我肚子饿!
• Have a good night. – Nai-an! (NIGH-an!) – 晚安!
• Can you help me? – Nay zhei nga? (NAY zhay NGAH?) – 你可以帮我吗?
• Where can I find water? – Nai meng la? (NIGH meng LAH?) – 哪里可以找到水?

Conclusion

The endangered languages of Southeast China are fading as younger generations switch to Mandarin or other dominant languages. Even learning a few words can help keep these languages alive. By speaking and sharing these phrases, we help preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage of these unique communities. Have fun reading these five common phrases translated into these languages, along with pronunciation and English meaning.