This paper introduces a group of languages called Kra, which includes
the following six languages and their varieties: Gelao, Lachi,
Laha, Paha, Buyang and Pubiao. These lesser known languages are
spoken in Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou provinces of China, and Ha
Giang, Lao Cai and Son La provinces of Vietnam. Linguistic evidence
is given to demonstrate that they are related to the Tai languages, and
form an independent subgroup within the Kra-Dai (or Tai-Kadai) stock.
The many varieties of these Kra languages are further divided into subbranches
based on several phonological criteria. Etymologies of the
terms Kra and Kra-Dai are simultaneously discussed.
小稿は,Gelao, Lachi, Laha, Paha, Buyang及びPubiaoの6言語から成る
Kra言語群に関する概観を示そうとするものである。この言語群は中国雲南省,
広西壮族自治区,貴州省及びベトナムのHa Giang, Lao Cai, Son La県に分布
し,タイ諸語と系統関係が認められるタイ・カダイ語族の中の有力な下位言語
群と考えられ,また,東アジアの言語グループの枠組みを再検討するにあたっ
て興味深い研究材料を提供してくれる。
Kra : The Tai Least-Known Sister Languages
KH_025_2_004.pdf
(1.7MB)
