Endangered Languages of Northwest China

Endangered Languages of Northwest China

Northwest China, covering Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang, is home to several endangered languages spoken by ethnic minorities. Many of these languages face decline due to Mandarin Chinese’s dominance and cultural assimilation. However, they remain crucial to preserving unique histories, traditions, and identities. Below, we explore endangered languages in this region, their current status, and preservation efforts.

1. Salar (Turkic language)

  • Speakers: ~100,000
  • Region: Qinghai, Gansu
  • Status: Vulnerable—Salar youth increasingly speak Mandarin instead.
  • Preservation Efforts: Salar communities advocate for bilingual education, and researchers document the language.

2. Western Yugur (Mongolic language)

  • Speakers: ~4,600
  • Region: Gansu
  • Status: Severely endangered—Children no longer learn it at home.
  • Preservation Efforts: Local linguistic projects work on revitalization through digital media and educational programs.

3. Dongxiang (Mongolic language)

  • Speakers: ~200,000
  • Region: Gansu
  • Status: Vulnerable—Though spoken by many, Mandarin influence grows among younger generations.
  • Preservation Efforts: Some schools include Dongxiang in their curriculum, and scholars study its grammar and vocabulary.

4. Lop Nur Uighur (Turkic language)

  • Speakers: Fewer than 500
  • Region: Xinjiang
  • Status: Critically endangered—The language is nearly extinct, with only a few elderly speakers.
  • Preservation Efforts: Limited documentation exists, but linguistic research aims to record what remains.

5. Kangjia (Mixed Sino-Tibetan and Mongolic language)

  • Speakers: ~300
  • Region: Qinghai
  • Status: Critically endangered—Few people can still speak it.
  • Preservation Efforts: Some linguists have recorded Kangjia, but revitalization efforts are minimal.

Conclusion

Northwest China’s endangered languages reflect the region’s diverse ethnic history. Unfortunately, urbanization, migration, and government policies accelerate language shift. Despite these challenges, community efforts and academic research help document and preserve these languages. Supporting these efforts ensures linguistic diversity remains part of China’s cultural heritage. Northwest China, covering Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang, is home to several endangered languages spoken by ethnic minorities.

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Northeast China: Everyday Phrases-Endangered Languages

Northeast China: Everyday Phrases in Endangered Languages

Northeast China is home to several endangered languages spoken by ethnic minorities such as the Manchu, Xibe, Evenki, and Oroqen. These languages carry the cultural identity and historical knowledge of their people, but they are rapidly declining due to the widespread use of Mandarin Chinese. While preservation efforts exist, including language revitalization programs and digital archives, fluent speakers are decreasing.

Using even a few words in these languages helps keep them alive. Below are five common phrases in endangered languages of Northeast China, including the original language, pronunciation, and English meaning.

1. Manchu (Once the language of the Qing Dynasty, now nearly extinct)

  • 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 (A descendant of Manchu, spoken mainly in Xinjiang but still present in Northeast China)

  • 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 ubaliyambu?” (si ubalijambu)
  • Thank you very much → “Toho acambi!” (toho atʃambi)

3. Evenki (A Tungusic language with small speaker communities in Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia)

  • Hello, good morning → “Bujan!” (boo-yan)
  • I am hungry → “Mini tuntu buga.” (mini tun-tu bu-ga)
  • Have a good night → “Huru bejere!” (hoo-roo bay-je-re)
  • Where are you from? → “Si elege?” (si eh-le-geh)
  • Thank you very much → “Aldun!” (ahl-dun)

4. Oroqen (A critically endangered language spoken by small Oroqen groups in Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia)

  • Hello, good morning → “Tuwun!” (too-woon)
  • I am hungry → “Mini xōn boga.” (mini hɔn bo-ga)
  • Have a good night → “Honogin bade!” (ho-no-gin ba-de)
  • Where are you from? → “Sini ulda?” (si-ni ul-da)
  • Thank you very much → “Eseme!” (eh-se-me)

Conclusion

Read and learn five common phrases in endangered languages of Northeast China, including the original language, pronunciation, and English meaning.
The endangered languages of Northeast China reflect rich histories, unique traditions, and ancestral knowledge. Sadly, due to urbanization, education policies favoring Mandarin Chinese, and cultural assimilation, these languages are at risk of disappearing. However, small efforts make a difference—learning and using even a few words supports preservation and raises awareness. By speaking, sharing, and documenting these languages, we contribute to keeping them alive for future generations.

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Eastern Tibet: Everyday Phrases in Endangered Languages

Eastern Tibet: Everyday Phrases in Endangered Languages

Eastern Tibet is one of the most linguistically diverse regions, with several endangered languages spoken by minority communities. These languages are at risk as Mandarin and Standard Tibetan become dominant. Learning and using key phrases helps keep them alive and preserves Eastern Tibet’s rich linguistic heritage.

Let’s read everyday Phrases in Eastern Tibet Endangered Languages. Below are six common phrases in endangered languages from Eastern Tibet, including original language, pronunciation, and English meaning to aid understanding.

1. Minyak (Muya, Xumi) (Spoken by a few thousand people in Sichuan, but declining fast)

  • Hello, good morning → “Zha mo!” (ʒa mo)
  • I am hungry → “Nga ma du.” (ŋa ma du)
  • Have a good night → “Nyi lu wa!” (ɲi lu wa)
  • Where are you from? → “Ne zu re?” (ne zu re)
  • Thank you very much → “A mo xia!” (a mo ɕia)
  • How are you? → “Ni ya sho?” (ni ja ʃo)

2. Dongxiang (Santa) (A Mongolic language spoken by an ethnic group in Gansu, with heavy Tibetan influence)

  • Hello, good morning → “Sain uu!” (sain uː)
  • I am hungry → “Bi ölsjii.” (bi œlsʲiː)
  • Have a good night → “Shono sain amraarai!” (ʃono sain amraːrai)
  • Where are you from? → “Ta xaanaas irsen be?” (ta xaːnaːs irsən be)
  • Thank you very much → “Bayarlalaa!” (bajar lalaː)
  • How are you? → “Ta sain uu?” (ta sain uː)

3. Bao’an (Bonan) (A Mongolic language spoken in Qinghai and Gansu, endangered due to language shift to Tibetan and Mandarin)

  • Hello, good morning → “Sai-mori!” (sai mori)
  • I am hungry → “Bi gurbat.” (bi gurbat)
  • Have a good night → “Sain untari!” (sain untari)
  • Where are you from? → “Chuu ar er?” (tʃuu ar er)
  • Thank you very much → “Biyar baye!” (bijar baje)
  • How are you? → “Sain bu?” (sain bu)

Conclusion

The endangered languages of Eastern Tibet belong to different language families, including Tibeto-Burman and Mongolic. Many younger speakers are shifting to Mandarin or Tibetan, putting these languages at risk. Using simple phrases in these languages keeps them relevant in daily life.

Each sentence spoken helps maintain cultural identity and diversity. By embracing these languages, we support linguistic preservation and ensure Tibet’s unique voices are not lost. Every word matters!

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Western Tibet: Everyday Phrases in Endangered Languages

Western Tibet: Everyday Phrases in Endangered Languages

Western Tibet is home to several endangered languages spoken by small communities. These languages, rich in history, are at risk of disappearing. By learning and using key phrases, we can help preserve them.

Below are six common phrases translated into endangered languages from Western Tibet. Each sentence includes the original language, pronunciation, and English meaning. These phrases are part of daily life and help maintain cultural identity.

1. Ladakhi (Ladakspa)

  • Hello, good morning → “Jule!” (ˈdʑu.le)
  • I am hungry → “Nga za-tsos yin.” (ŋa za-tsʰos jin)
  • Have a good night → “Gikpai namshar!” (ɡik.pai nam.ʂar)
  • Where are you from? → “Khyed rang gate nay yin?” (kʰje rang gate nai jin)
  • Thank you very much → “Thuk-je-che!” (tʰuk dʑe tʃʰe)
  • How are you? → “Khyed-rang kusho yin-pe?” (kʰjed raŋ ku.ʂo jin.pe)

2. Balti

  • Hello, good morning → “As-salaam-u-alaikum!” (as.sa.laː.mu a.lai.kum)
  • I am hungry → “Nga treshang du.” (ŋa tre.ʂaŋ du)
  • Have a good night → “Shab bakhair!” (ʃab bakʰair)
  • Where are you from? → “Thu gonde rang?” (tʰu gon.de raŋ)
  • Thank you very much → “Bay skong jo!” (bɛ skʰoŋ dʑo)
  • How are you? → “Thu tik ring?” (tʰu tik riŋ)

3. Zhangzhung (Critically endangered)

  • Hello, good morning → “Kho nye so!” (kʰo ɲe so)
  • I am hungry → “Nga di ku.” (ŋa di ku)
  • Have a good night → “Shi nye la!” (ʃi ɲe la)
  • Where are you from? → “Ne kang wo?” (ne kaŋ wo)
  • Thank you very much → “Drin chen!” (drin tʃʰen)
  • How are you? → “Nyang kye re?” (ɲaŋ kje re)

Conclusion

Languages in Western Tibet are disappearing due to modernization and the spread of dominant languages like Mandarin and Tibetan dialects. Each phrase learned is a step toward preserving these endangered languages. Simple words help keep cultural identity alive and strengthen connections between generations.

Even small efforts—like greeting someone in Ladakhi, Balti, or Zhangzhung—can make a difference. Speaking and sharing endangered languages keeps them from fading away. Let’s continue to learn and support linguistic diversity in Tibet.

 

Endangered Languages of Western Tibet

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Endangered Languages of Eastern Tibet

Endangered Languages of Eastern Tibet

Eastern Tibet, known for its diverse ethnic communities and rugged landscapes, has the highest linguistic diversity in Tibet. Many languages here are spoken by small communities in Kham and Amdo regions. However, increasing Mandarin influence, Tibetan dialect dominance, and lack of education in these languages have placed them at risk.

1. Rgyalrong (Jiarong)

  • Speakers: Around 60,000, mostly in Sichuan, but some in Tibet.
  • Status: Endangered—younger generations favor Tibetan or Mandarin.
  • Region: Small groups found in Chamdo and Nyingchi Prefectures.
  • Threats:
    • Lack of written script.
    • Mandarin and Tibetan used in schools.
  • Preservation Efforts:
    • Linguists have documented parts of the language.
  • Sample Words:
    • “nɯtɕʰi” – ‘sun’
    • “aʁo” – ‘father’
    • “qʰu” – ‘water’

2. Situ (Khams Tibetan dialect variant)

  • Speakers: Fewer than 50,000 in Tibet, mostly older speakers.
  • Status: Endangered—fading due to the rise of Standard Tibetan.
  • Region: Kham region, in parts of Chamdo and Nyingchi.
  • Threats:
    • Younger speakers shifting to Central Tibetan and Mandarin.
    • Lack of written materials in Situ.
  • Preservation Efforts:
    • Some linguistic research, but no official revitalization programs.
  • Sample Words:
    • “nyi” – ‘sun’
    • “ama” – ‘mother’
    • “chu” – ‘water’

3. Namuyi (Namuzi)

  • Speakers: Fewer than 500, critically endangered!
  • Status: Nearly extinct—only spoken by elders.
  • Region: Found in Garzê (Kham region) and some parts of Tibet.
  • Threats:
    • Most speakers have switched to Tibetan or Chinese.
    • No education programs exist for Namuyi.
  • Preservation Efforts:
    • Some linguistic studies have documented the language.
  • Sample Words:
    • “ɲi” – ‘sun’
    • “aʐo” – ‘father’
    • “kʰu” – ‘water’

4. Pumi (Primi)

  • Speakers: About 50,000 total, but only a small group in Tibet.
  • Status: Endangered—Mandarin is replacing it.
  • Region: Spoken in Nyingchi Prefecture and Yunnan.
  • Threats:
    • Education is in Mandarin, limiting transmission.
    • Intermarriage with Tibetan speakers leading to language shift.
  • Preservation Efforts:
    • Some documentation projects exist.
  • Sample Words:
    • “mi̥ʑa” – ‘sun’
    • “ama” – ‘mother’
    • “tsi” – ‘water’

Conclusion

Eastern Tibet’s languages face severe endangerment, with some on the brink of extinction. The increasing use of Tibetan and Mandarin in daily life, combined with a lack of preservation programs, threatens the survival of these unique languages. Without urgent action, many could disappear within a few decades. (more…)

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Endangered Languages of Western Tibet

Endangered Languages of Western Tibet

Western Tibet, known for its vast plateaus and ancient monasteries, is home to a few endangered languages that are struggling to survive. With harsh living conditions and low population density, many small language communities face extinction as younger generations shift to Tibetan and Mandarin.

1. Derung (Dulong)

  • Speakers: Around 4,000, mostly in Tibet’s border regions and Yunnan.
  • Status: Critically endangered—younger speakers are shifting to Mandarin.
  • Region: Found in the remote border areas of Ngari Prefecture in Tibet and parts of Yunnan.
  • Threats:
    • Extremely isolated communities.
    • Lack of schools teaching Derung.
    • Government policies promoting Mandarin.
  • Preservation Efforts:
    • Local community efforts to record oral traditions.
    • Documentation projects by Chinese linguists.
  • Sample Words:
    • “nɑ˩mi˧” – ‘sun’
    • “ŋo˩de˧” – ‘moon’
    • “da˩” – ‘water’

2. Dongxiang (Santa)

  • Speakers: Estimated 200,000 total, but only a few thousand in Tibet.
  • Status: Severely endangered in Tibet, though more stable in Gansu.
  • Region: Small speaker communities live near Ngari Prefecture and parts of Qinghai.
  • Threats:
    • Intermarriage with Tibetan-speaking communities.
    • Shift to Tibetan and Mandarin for education and business.
  • Preservation Efforts:
    • Some research in Gansu but little in Tibet.
  • Sample Words:
    • “sün” – ‘sun’
    • “ay” – ‘mother’
    • “öğü” – ‘water’

3. Baima

  • Speakers: Around 10,000, primarily in Sichuan and Gansu, with some in Tibet.
  • Status: Endangered—often debated whether it is a Tibetan dialect or a separate language.
  • Region: Small groups found in Ngari and western Amdo regions.
  • Threats:
    • Loss of native speakers due to bilingualism.
    • Increasing migration to Tibetan-speaking areas.
  • Preservation Efforts:
    • Linguists from China have studied Baima, but no formal revitalization programs exist.
  • Sample Words:
    • “ʃo˥” – ‘sun’
    • “ama” – ‘mother’
    • “ɦʊ” – ‘water’

Conclusion

Western Tibet’s harsh geography and low population density make language preservation difficult. Many of these endangered languages face extinction within a few generations unless documentation and revitalization efforts increase. Without intervention, these unique linguistic heritages could be lost forever.

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Tibetan Linguistic Diversity

Tibetan Linguistic Diversity

Tibet is home to a rich linguistic landscape shaped by history, geography, and culture. While Standard Tibetan is widely known, many lesser-known languages and dialects exist, each with its own unique characteristics. However, many of these languages face endangerment due to modernization and language shift.

Main Language Groups in Tibet

1. Bodic Languages (Tibetan Family)

The Tibetan language family, also called Bodic, includes multiple dialects and languages spoken across Tibet and neighboring regions. These languages belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family.

  • Standard Tibetan – The official language of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), used in government, education, and media. It is based on the dialect of Lhasa.
  • Amdo Tibetan – Spoken in Qinghai and parts of Sichuan. Unlike Lhasa Tibetan, it lacks complex tone distinctions.
  • Kham Tibetan – Found in eastern Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan. It has significant variations between local dialects.

Many Tibetan speakers use different dialects, and mutual intelligibility between them varies.

2. Other Endangered Tibetan Languages

Beyond these major groups, several smaller languages and dialects are critically endangered. These include:

  • Baima – Spoken in Sichuan and Gansu, often considered separate from Tibetan.
  • Derung (Dulong) – A highly endangered language in Tibet’s border regions.
  • Gyarong (Jiarong) – Found in Sichuan, this language shows strong Tibetan influence but is classified separately.
  • Tshangla – Spoken in southeastern Tibet and parts of Bhutan.

These languages are disappearing due to migration, education policies favoring Standard Tibetan or Mandarin, and a shift toward dominant languages.

Threats to Linguistic Diversity

Tibetan linguistic diversity faces several challenges:

  • Mandarin Dominance – Government policies promote Mandarin in schools and workplaces, leading to language shift.
  • Urbanization and Migration – Younger generations move to cities where minority languages are not spoken.
  • Lack of Written Standardization – Many Tibetan dialects and smaller languages lack writing systems, making preservation difficult.

Preservation Efforts

Despite these challenges, efforts exist to document and protect Tibet’s endangered languages:

  • Language Documentation Projects – Researchers record native speakers and create dictionaries.
  • Community Initiatives – Local programs encourage children to learn traditional languages.
  • Government and NGO Support – Some policies promote Tibetan education, though smaller languages still lack resources.

Conclusion

Tibet’s linguistic diversity is a cultural treasure, but many of its languages are at risk. Without active preservation, these languages may disappear. Increased awareness, education, and documentation can help safeguard this rich linguistic heritage.

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Word Love in Many Languages

Word-Love in Many Languages:

A Linguistic Journey Through the Word ‘Love’

Love is one of the most powerful emotions, and every culture expresses it in unique ways. But have you ever wondered how different languages capture this universal feeling? From ancient roots to unique cultural concepts, let’s explore the linguistic journey of “love” across the world.

1. The Etymology of “Love”

The English word love comes from the Old English lufu, which is related to Old High German luba and Old Norse lof. These all trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root leubh- (to care, desire, or be fond of).
However, not all languages use a single word for love—many differentiate between romantic, familial, and deep spiritual connections.

2. Unique Cultural Concepts of Love

Different languages capture love in ways that English cannot fully express. Here are a few fascinating examples:

  • Tagalog (Philippines): “Gigil” – The overwhelming urge to squeeze or pinch someone out of affection (not always romantic).
  • Xhosa (South Africa): “Uthando” – A word that carries deep emotional and spiritual significance.
  • Nahuatl (Mexico): “Tlamati” – To love someone through understanding them deeply.
  • Japanese: “Koi” (恋) vs. “Ai” (愛) – “Koi” refers to passionate or romantic love, while “Ai” is unconditional, enduring love.
  • Greek: “Philautia” (Φιλαυτία) – Self-love, which the ancient Greeks saw as either healthy (self-compassion) or unhealthy (narcissism).

Each language reflects cultural values through its expression of love. Some focus on the intensity of romantic love, while others emphasize friendship, respect, or even the joy of understanding someone deeply.

3. Love in Lesser-Known Languages

Many smaller and endangered languages have their own beautiful words for love. Here are a few:

  • Twi (Ghana): “Ɔdɔ”
  • Inuktitut (Canada): “ᓇᒡᓕᒋᔭᖅ” (nagligijaug)
  • Ainu (Japan): “Irankarapte” – Not just love, but a greeting wishing goodwill and warmth.
  • Quechua (Andes): “Munay”
  • Kalaallisut (Greenlandic): “Asavakkit”

These words carry deep meaning in their cultures, reminding us that love is more than just a feeling—it’s a way of life.

4. Ways to Say “Love” in Many Languages

Here’s how to say “love” across the world, including lesser-known languages:

  • Afrikaans – Liefde
  • Amharic – ፍቅር (fik’ir)
  • Arabic – حب (ḥubb)
  • Aymara – Munasiña
  • Bengali – ভালোবাসা (bhalobasha)
  • Breton – Karout
  • Burmese – အချစ် (achit)
  • Cherokee – ᎤᎶᎩᎸᎢ (ulógi lv’i)
  • Dzongkha (Bhutan) – དགའ་བ (ga wa)
  • Georgian – სიყვარული (siq’varuli)
  • Hausa – Soyayya
  • Hawaiian – Aloha
  • Hindi – प्यार (pyaar)
  • Icelandic – Ást
  • Igbo – Ịhụnanya
  • Kazakh – Сүйіспеншілік (süyіspenshіlіk)
  • Khmer – ស្រឡាញ់ (sralanh)
  • Māori – Aroha
  • Mongolian – Хайр (khair)
  • Nahuatl – Tlazohtlaliztli
  • Navajo – Ayóó ánóshní
  • Nepali – माया (maya)
  • Oromo – Jaalala
  • Pashto – مینه (mīna)
  • Persian – عشق (eshgh)
  • Quechua – Munay
  • Samoan – Alofa
  • Scottish Gaelic – Gràdh
  • Shona – Rudo
  • Swahili – Upendo
  • Tajik – Муҳаббат (muḥabbat)
  • Tibetan – དར་བ (dar ba)
  • Tigrinya – ፍቕሪ (fekri)
  • Welsh – Cariad
  • Xhosa – Uthando
  • Yoruba – Ifẹ
  • Zulu – Uthando

*In Greek, love in the universal sense is “Αγάπη” (Agapi). The middle syllable is stressed. Deep romantic love is called “Έρωτας” (Erotas) in modern Greek or “Έρως” in ancient Greek. (*Contributed by:Marianthi Kotadaki)

Love is a universal language, but how we express it varies across cultures. Whether romantic, platonic, or spiritual, love is one of the most profound human experiences—one that connects us across time and borders.

Which word for love do you find most interesting? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Linguistics terms-idiolect

Linguistics terms-idiolect

What is Idiolect?

An idiolect refers to the specific person’s language habits, speech patterns, vocabulary, and pronunciations. Just like our fingerprints, our language use is unique and can tell a lot about our background, education, and even personality.

When we think about language, we often focus on general rules, grammar, and shared vocabulary. However, every individual speaks in their own distinct way. This personal style of speech is known as an idiolect. An idiolect is the unique form of language used by an individual, shaped by their personal experiences, social interactions, and even cognitive tendencies.

Influenced by factors:

  • Geographic location: Accents and regional terms.
  • Cultural background: Family dialects or subcultures.
  • Education: The vocabulary and sentence structures used.
  • Social circles: The language of friends, colleagues, or communities.

The Role of Idiolect in Linguistics:

Linguists use the concept of idiolect to understand how language varies on an individual level. Dialects and languages are group-specific. An idiolect is the ultimate expression of language that is uniquely personal. Even though an idiolect is distinct, it still follows the general rules of a larger language system. It allows people to communicate effectively.

Examples of Idiolect

Consider how two people may describe the same event in different ways:

  • Person A might say: “I was just chilling at the park.”
  • Person B might say: “I was hanging out at the park.”

Both sentences convey the same message, but the choice of words and phrasing (e.g., “chilling” vs. “hanging out”) reflects each speaker’s unique idiolect.

Why Is Idiolect Important?

Idiolects reveal much about us:

  • Identity: They reflect our sense of self and how we wish to be perceived.
  • Communication: Understanding idiolects can improve how we connect with others in diverse social and cultural settings.
  • Linguistic Study: Researchers study idiolects to analyze language variation and change, helping them track shifts in language use over time.

Conclusion:

An idiolect refers to the specific person’s language habits, speech patterns, vocabulary, and pronunciations. But an idiolect is more than just a personal way of speaking. It’s a powerful tool for understanding individual identity and the intricate relationship between language and people. By paying attention to the small nuances in language, we can appreciate the richness of communication. And also deepen our understanding of the human experience. (more…)

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