Limi language

For the Bantu language also called Limi, see Turu language.

Limi (autonym: li33 mi33)^[2] is a Loloish language spoken in Yongde, Fengqing, and Yun counties of western Yunnan province, China.

Limi
Liumi
Native to	China
Region	Yunnan
Native speakers	29,000 (2002)[1]
Language family	Sino-Tibetan (Tibeto-Burman) Lolo–Burmese Loloish Lisoish Limi
Language codes
ISO 639-3	ylm
Glottolog	limi1243

Distribution

Limi is spoken in the following locations.^[3]

• Yongde County (Wumulong 乌木龙彝族乡 and Yalian 亚练乡 Townships)
• Southern Guodazhai Township 郭大寨彝族白族乡, Fengqing County (pop. 4,000)
• Southeastern Yingpan Township 营盘镇, Fengqing County
• Yun County (pop. 1,000)

Yang (2017)^[2] reports that Limi is spoken by about 20,000 people in Yongde, Fengqing, and Yun counties. Limi speakers make up 70% of the 26,000 people living in Wumulong Township (乌木龙乡), Yongde County, Yunnan. About 2,600 members of a nearby ethnic group called "Luo" (倮族) (likely Lolopo) also live in and around Wumulong.^[2]

Classification

Limi is likely most closely related to Lolopo, but also has many Lalo loanwords.^[2]

History

Limi speakers likely migrated from Jingdong County during the early 1300s, first arriving in Bangmai Village (邦卖/班卖), Fengqing County, and then later migrating to Wumulong Township, Yongde County.^[2]