Also Known As:
Gao, Aqaw, Gelo, Kelao, Keleo, Kehlao, Klau, Klo, Ilao, Khi, Chilao, Lao, Keh-lao, 仡佬語稿方言
Dialects & Varieties
Case studies of endangered languages in China (中國瀕危語言個案研究)
2004. "Case Studies of Endangered Languages in China (中國瀕危語言個案研究)." edited by Qingxia Dai (戴慶廈). Minzu Publisher (民族出版社).
Severely Endangered
100 percent certain, based on the evidence available
<6,000 (including speakers of all the Gelao languages)
Native Speakers Worldwide
Speaker Number Trends
Speaker Number Trend 5
A small percentage of the community speaks the language, and speaker numbers are decreasing very rapidly.
5
Domains of Use
Domain Of Use 4
Used mainly only in the home and/or with family, and may not be the primary language even in these domains for many community members.
4
Transmission
Transmission 4
Many of the grandparent generation speak the language, but younger people generally do not.
4
Speakers
Native or fluent speakers:
No results found.
Second-language speakers and learners
No results found.
Semi-speakers or rememberers
No results found.
Children:
No results found.
Young adults
No results found.
Older adults
No results found.
Elders
No results found.
Ethnic or community population
579,357 (as of 2000 census; including all the ethnic Gelao)
Year information was gathered
No results found.
Comments on speakers
Mandarin is the official language and the medium for education, but also predominately used in non-official domains.
Location and Context
Countries
China
Location Description
Anshun (安順), Pingba (平垻), Puding (普定), and Shuicheng (水城) counties of central and western Guizhou
Government Support
no
Institutional Support
no
Speakers' Attitude
neutral ~ negative
Other Languages Used By The Community
Mandarin
Number of Other Language Speakers:
almost all
Domains of Other Languages:
all domains
Writing Systems
Standard orthography:
No results found.
Writing system:
No results found.
Other writing systems used:
No results text.
Comments on writing systems:
No results found.
Recent Resources
Informative message
No results found.