An analysis of the current status and language endangerment of the Kucong language at Shuitang Township in Xinping County

In Jiuha Village Cluster, Shuitang Township, Xinping County there are Yi, Han, Dai and Kucong groups; the Yi population is the majority, and many Yi people still speak their language. Sanchagou Village in Jiuha Village Cluster is a Kucong village surrounded by Yi and Han people; the Kucong people are turning gradually to Chinese and Nisu Yi languages. In 2002, although Kucong language was fading away, there were still many people using it for communication. In October 2014, we conducted follow-up research by comparing the original recording of 2000 words, and analyzing the result of a 400-word comprehension test with people of different ages, as well as a questionnaire about their language attitudes. We found that the Kucong language is being replaced by Chinese. Fewer than 10 villagers can speak Kucong language fluently and they are all between the ages of 70 and 86.