Language of Chashan Ethnic People

As mentioned earlier, the Jingpo people (景颇族) are divided into different sub-groups, each with its own distinct language. The languages spoken by these sub-groups belong to different branches of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Specifically, the Jingpo branch speaks Jingpo, while other sub-groups such as the Zaiwa, Leqi, Langsu, Bola, and Chashan speak languages belonging to the Yi-Mien branch.

In the Yi-Mien branch, Chashan and Leqi languages are relatively similar but still have notable differences. For example, among 1,000 basic vocabulary words, 563 words (56.3%) share a common origin, while 289 words (26.9%) have different origins, and 148 words (14.8%) are partially related. In terms of phonetics, Leqi language distinguishes between long and short vowels, a feature absent in Chashan. Additionally, Leqi uses labial-palatal consonants, while these have largely disappeared in Chashan, being replaced by apical palatal sounds.

Despite these linguistic differences, the Chashan people (茶山人) in Pianma (片马) area retain their native language, viewing it as an essential element of their ethnic identity. They strongly believe that preserving and using their language is crucial to maintaining their cultural heritage.

Characteristics of Chashan Language

• Native Language Preservation: The Chashan people have continued to speak their language within families and communities. This language is a vital tool for communication in daily life, both within the family unit and among villagers.

• Widespread Use: While Chashan language is predominantly spoken in the Chashan villages (茶山村) in Pianma, it is also widely used in Chashan villages across the river in Myanmar. This cross-border linguistic exchange is part of the cultural connection between the Chashan people on both sides of the China-Myanmar border.

• Multilingualism: While the majority of the Chashan people speak their native tongue, many are also fluent in the dominant regional language, Lisu (傈僳语), as well as Mandarin Chinese (汉语), making them multilingual. Some individuals even speak Myanmar language, Jingpo, and Bai languages, bringing the total number of languages spoken by certain Chashan individuals to five or six.

The Role of Multilingualism in Chashan Daily Life

In daily life, the Chashan people exhibit remarkable linguistic flexibility. Depending on the interlocutor, the communication context, and the purpose of interaction, they effortlessly switch between different languages to meet social needs. This multilingual competence is a key feature of their language life, allowing them to coordinate their interactions and maintain harmonious relationships within their communities.

Each language serves a distinct function, and together they form a complementary and harmonious linguistic system that supports the Chashan people’s diverse social interactions.

The Chashan people’s language is a significant aspect of their identity and culture. Their ability to speak multiple languages not only reflects their adaptability in a multilingual society but also highlights their deep-rooted cultural heritage and their strong connection to both their homeland in Pianma and the Chashan communities across the border in Myanmar.