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Glite Dictionary
Qiangic

Qiangic

9.9
A group of languages related to Tibetan and Burmese spoken mainly in Sichuan, China
  • noun
  • Specialized
: qiánguico
  • Several minority groups in Sichuan speak various Qiangic languages.

Examples

  • The Qiangic languages display significant diversity in both phonology and grammar.

  • Linguists have debated the status of Qiangic as a distinct branch within the Tibeto-Burman family.

  • The Qiangic languages are fascinating to study.

  • Many people in Sichuan speak Qiangic languages.

  • Linguists have debated the status of Qiangic as a distinct branch within the Tibeto-Burman family.

  • Several minority groups in Sichuan speak various Qiangic languages.

  • The Qiangic languages display significant diversity in both phonology and grammar.

Synonyms

Qiangic language
vsQiangic
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of related languages spoken mainly in Sichuan, China

uses a technical branching term rather than the general group label

Compounds

Qiangic language
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of related languages spoken mainly in Sichuan, China

Surface Forms

Qiangic singular
Qiangic languages plural

Morphology

Qiangic = Qiang (transparent) = Qiang + ic

Formed by the productive adjective-forming suffix '-ic' attached to the ethnonym 'Qiang', so the meaning 'relating to Qiang' is a regular, predictable derivation.

Etymology

Qiangic comes from the name of the Qiang people of Sichuan and the ending -ic, which means 'related to', as in music or historic. So Qiangic means 'related to the Qiang' and is used for the group of languages those people and nearby communities speak.