Search

The Online Encyclopedia and Dictionary

 
     
 

Encyclopedia

Dictionary

Quotes

   
 

Tai-Kadai languages

The Tai-Kadai languages, also known simply as Kadai, are a language family found in Southeast Asia and southern China. They were formerly considered to be part of the Sino-Tibetan family, but are now classified independently as the Tai-Kadai family. They may be related to the Austronesian language family. Some researchers have even proposed they are part of a larger Austric superfamily.

The Tai-Kadai languages originated in southern China, which is home to most of the Tai-Kadai subfamilies. Speakers of the Tai languages subgroup moved south into Southeast Asia in historic times, founding the nations that later became Thailand and Laos.

Tai-Kadai languages

  • Hlai languages (2)
    • Jiamao language (China)
    • Hlai language (China)
  • Kadai languages (9)
    • Bu-Rong languages (1)
      • Yerong language (China)
    • Ge-Chi languages (3)
      • Gelao language (Vietnam)
      • Lachi language (Vietnam)
      • White Lachi language (Vietnam)
    • Yang-Biao languages (5)
      • Buyang language (China)
      • Cun language (China)
      • En language (Vietnam)
      • Laqua language (Vietnam)
      • Laha language (Vietnam)
  • Kam-Tai languages (59)
    • Be-Tai languages (49)
    • Kam-Sui languages (9)
      • Ai-Cham language (China)
      • Cao Miao language (China)
      • Northern Dong language (China)
      • Southern Dong language (China)
      • Mak language (China)
      • Mulam language (China)
      • Maonan language (China)
      • Sui language (China)
      • T'en language (China)
    • Lakkja languages (1)
      • Lakkia language (China)

Last updated: 05-07-2005 08:01:45
Last updated: 05-13-2005 07:56:04