Mpi language


Mpi is a Loloish language of Thailand. The number of speakers is in decline. It is spoken in the following two villages in northern Thailand.
Since the Mpi of Thailand migrated from Mengla, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China over 300 years ago, there could also possibly be Mpi speakers in China.

Phonology

Mpi has six tones and two phonations in its vowels, modal voice and stiff voice:
ToneModal voiceStiff voice
Low 'blood'sì̬ 'seven'
Low risingsi᷅ 'putrid'si̬᷅ 'dried up'
Midsī̬
Mid risingsǐ 'to roll'sǐ̬ 'to smoke'
High 'four'sí̬
High risingsi᷄ 'to die'si̬᷄