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| code | name_en | population | region | name_alt | dialects | language_use | development | comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| lav | Latvian | 1,394,000 in Latvia. Population includes over 500,000 Latgalians. Population total all countries: 1,543,844. | Also spoken in Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, New Zealand, Russia (Europe), Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Venezuela. | West Latvian (Central Latvian), East Latvian (High Latvian, Latgalian). Tamian is a subdialect of Central Latvian. | Official language. | Roman script. Grammar. Bible: 1689–1995. | Roman script. Grammar. Bible: 1689–1995. | |
| law | Lauje | 44,000 (2001 N. Himmelmann). | Central Sulawesi, Dampelas Sojol, Dondo, Tinombo, Tomini, and Ampibabo subdistricts, along Tomini Bay, Sidoan River area. | Ampibabo. Ampibabo may be a separate language. | Official language. | Bible portions. | Bible portions. | |
| lax | Tiwa | 23,000 (1997). | Assam, Nowgong, Karbi Anglong, Kamrup, Sibsagar, Lakhimpur districts; Meghalaya, Khasi Hills District. | Ampibabo. Ampibabo may be a separate language. | In the plains Assamese is used. | Literacy rate in second language: 21.5% (31.5% males, 11.2% females). Assamese, Roman scripts. Dictionary. Grammar. NT. | Literacy rate in second language: 21.5% (31.5% males, 11.2% females). Assamese, Roman scripts. Dictionary. Grammar. NT. | |
| lay | Lama | 3,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). | Assam, Nowgong, Karbi Anglong, Kamrup, Sibsagar, Lakhimpur districts; Meghalaya, Khasi Hills District. | Dialect or closely related language to Norra. | In the plains Assamese is used. | Literacy rate in second language: 21.5% (31.5% males, 11.2% females). Assamese, Roman scripts. Dictionary. Grammar. NT. | Literacy rate in second language: 21.5% (31.5% males, 11.2% females). Assamese, Roman scripts. Dictionary. Grammar. NT. | |
| lba | Lui | 200. | Assam, Nowgong, Karbi Anglong, Kamrup, Sibsagar, Lakhimpur districts; Meghalaya, Khasi Hills District. | Dialect or closely related language to Norra. | In the plains Assamese is used. | Literacy rate in second language: 21.5% (31.5% males, 11.2% females). Assamese, Roman scripts. Dictionary. Grammar. NT. | Literacy rate in second language: 21.5% (31.5% males, 11.2% females). Assamese, Roman scripts. Dictionary. Grammar. NT. | |
| lbc | Lakkia | 12,000 (1999 Liu Baoyuan). 4,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 12,000. | Eastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County. | Officially under the Yao (Mien) nationality, but the language is Tai-Kadai (Svantesson). Phonetically similar to Mien, word order to Bunu. Not intelligible with Hmong or Bunu. Minimal variation within Lakkia. All varieties are inherently intelligible to each other's speakers. Lexical similarity 45% with Dong, 44% with Northern Zhuang, 24% with Buyang, 23% with Lati and Laqua, 22% with Gelo. | Vigorous. Some speakers of other languages use Lakkia for trade. All domains. All ages. Positive language attitude. Speakers also use Mandarin Chinese, Mien, or Zhuang. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lbe | Lak | 112,100 in Russia. Population total all countries: 119,512. Ethnic population: 118,000 in Russia. | Southern Dagestan ASSR. Also spoken in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey (Asia), Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan. | Kumux (Kumkh), Vicxin (Vitskhin), Vixlin (Vikhlin), Ashtikulin, Balxar-Calakan (Balkar-Tsalakan). Dialects are close. | Vigorous. Some speakers of other languages use Lakkia for trade. All domains. All ages. Positive language attitude. Speakers also use Mandarin Chinese, Mien, or Zhuang. | Cyrillic script. Bible portions: 1996. | Cyrillic script. Bible portions: 1996. | |
| lbf | Tinani | 450 to 1,600 in China (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). | Western Tibet border. | Close to Pattani. Lexical similarity 63% to 56% with Chamba Lahuli (Pattani), 32% to 37% with Bunan, 21% with the Spiti and Stod varieties of central Tibetan, 62% with Tandi village, 34% with Shumcho, 32% with Jangshung, 31% with Kanauri and Sunam, 13% with Lhasa Tibetan. | Used in the home and village, infrequently in religion. Speakers also use Hindi or Pattani. | Literacy rate in second language: High. Bible portions: 1908–1915. | Literacy rate in second language: High. Bible portions: 1908–1915. | |
| lbg | Laopang | 9,550 (2000 WCD). | Western Tibet border. | Close to Pattani. Lexical similarity 63% to 56% with Chamba Lahuli (Pattani), 32% to 37% with Bunan, 21% with the Spiti and Stod varieties of central Tibetan, 62% with Tandi village, 34% with Shumcho, 32% with Jangshung, 31% with Kanauri and Sunam, 13% with Lhasa Tibetan. | Used in the home and village, infrequently in religion. Speakers also use Hindi or Pattani. | Literacy rate in second language: High. Bible portions: 1908–1915. | Literacy rate in second language: High. Bible portions: 1908–1915. | |
| lbi | La'bi | No estimate available. | North Province, Mayo-Rey Division, Touboro Subdivision. | Close to Pattani. Lexical similarity 63% to 56% with Chamba Lahuli (Pattani), 32% to 37% with Bunan, 21% with the Spiti and Stod varieties of central Tibetan, 62% with Tandi village, 34% with Shumcho, 32% with Jangshung, 31% with Kanauri and Sunam, 13% with Lhasa Tibetan. | Used in the home and village, infrequently in religion. Speakers also use Hindi or Pattani. | Literacy rate in second language: High. Bible portions: 1908–1915. | Literacy rate in second language: High. Bible portions: 1908–1915. | |
| lbj | Ladakhi | 12,000 in China (1995). | Western Tibet. | Leh (Central Ladakhi), Shamma (Sham, Shamskat, Lower Ladakhi), Nubra Ladakhi. | All ages. Many speakers in urban areas use Urdu, Hindi, or English, but rural speakers are mainly monolingual in Ladakhi. | Literacy rate in second language: Men: 36%, women: 12% in Hindi, Urdu, Tibetan, or English (1991). Tibetan script. Grammar. Bible: 1948. | Literacy rate in second language: Men: 36%, women: 12% in Hindi, Urdu, Tibetan, or English (1991). Tibetan script. Grammar. Bible: 1948. | |
| lbm | Lodhi | 75,000 (1997). | Orissa, Mayurbhanj and Baleshwar districts; West Bengal, Medinipur District. | Related to Sora. | They are reported to be fluent in Bengali. | Literacy rate in second language: 9% (1981 census). | Literacy rate in second language: 9% (1981 census). | |
| lbn | Lamet | 100 in Thailand. | Lampang, Chiangrai. | Upper Lamet, Lower Lamet. | They are reported to be fluent in Bengali. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| lbo | Laven | 40,519 in Laos (1995 census). | Southwestern Laos, Champassak, Attopeu provinces, Boloven Plateau, near the Alak. Also spoken in USA. | Upper Lamet, Lower Lamet. | They are reported to be fluent in Bengali. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| lbr | Lorung, Northern | 11,521 (2000 WCD). | Koshi Zone, middle Sankhuwasawa District, between the middle Arun Valley and the Sabhakhola. | Biksit (Bikshi). A Rai group. Related to Yamphu, Yamphe, Southern Lorung, and Yakkha, but a separate language. Ethnic subgroups are Kipa and Loke Lorung, but they do not appear to speak different dialects. | Medium or high degree of retention of first language can be assumed with some certainty in all areas except Biksit (Winter 1991). | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| lbs | Libyan Sign Language | No estimate available. | Koshi Zone, middle Sankhuwasawa District, between the middle Arun Valley and the Sabhakhola. | Biksit (Bikshi). A Rai group. Related to Yamphu, Yamphe, Southern Lorung, and Yakkha, but a separate language. Ethnic subgroups are Kipa and Loke Lorung, but they do not appear to speak different dialects. | Medium or high degree of retention of first language can be assumed with some certainty in all areas except Biksit (Winter 1991). | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| lbt | Lachi | 1,153 in China (1990 Liang Min). Population includes 193 Bag Lachi in 37 households, 852 Han Lachi in 179 households, 157 Red Lachi in 27 households, 432 Flowery Lachi in 72 households. Ethnic population: 1,634. | Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang-Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southern Maguan County, several villages: Bag Lachi in Nanlao Township, Han Lachi in Renhe and Jiahanqing townships, Red Lachi in Xiaobazi Township, and Flowery Lachi in Jinchang. | Lipute (Bag Lachi), Liputcio (Han Lachi), Lipuke (Red Lachi), Lipuliongtco (Flowery Lachi), Liputiõ (Black Lachi), Lipupi (Long-Haired Lachi). | Used in the home. Speakers are adults. Those who do not speak Lachi speak Chinese. The Flowery Lachi also speak Chinese, most can speak Southern Zhuang, and some can speak Miao and Dai. Mixed families speak Chinese. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| lbw | Tolaki | 281,000 (1991 SIL). Population includes 230,000 Konawe, 50,000 Mekongga, 650 Asera, fewer than 100 Wiwirano, 200 Laiwui. | Southeast Sulawesi, Kendari and Kolaka districts. Mekongga are in the Mekongga Mountains on the western edge of the group near Soroako. | Wiwirano, Asera, Konawe (Kendari), Mekongga (Bingkokak), Norio, Konio, Tamboki (Tambbuoki), Laiwui (Kioki). Wiwirano has 88% lexical similarity with Asera, 84% with Konawe, 85% with Mekongga, 81% with Laiwui, 78% with Waru, 70% with Rahambuu and Kodeoha, 54% with the Mori and Bungku groups. Mekongga has 86% with Konawe, 80% with Laiwui. | Wiwirano dialect is spoken only by older adults. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lbx | Lawangan | 100,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Around the Karau River in east central Kalimantan. | Ajuh, Bakoi (Lampung), Bantian (Bentian), Banuwang, Bawu (Bawo), Kali, Karau (Beloh), Lawa, Lolang, Mantararen, Njumit, Purai, Purung, Tuwang, Pasir, Benua. At least 17 dialects. Tawoyan may be inherently intelligible. Lexical similarity 77% with Tawoyan, 53% with Dusun Deyah. | Wiwirano dialect is spoken only by older adults. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lby | Lamu-Lamu | 1 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Bamiga, Queensland, and Coen. | Ajuh, Bakoi (Lampung), Bantian (Bentian), Banuwang, Bawu (Bawo), Kali, Karau (Beloh), Lawa, Lolang, Mantararen, Njumit, Purai, Purung, Tuwang, Pasir, Benua. At least 17 dialects. Tawoyan may be inherently intelligible. Lexical similarity 77% with Tawoyan, 53% with Dusun Deyah. | Wiwirano dialect is spoken only by older adults. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lbz | Lardil | 2 (2000 Evans). | Mornington Island, Queensland. | Related to Kayardild, Nyangga, Yugulda. Initiated males learn Damin, which has a very different phonology from Lardil (1992 R. M. W. Dixon OIEL, Vol. 1, p. 137). | Wiwirano dialect is spoken only by older adults. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lcc | Legenyem | 250 (2000 Wurm). | Raja Ampat Islands, Waigeo Island in northwest end of main bay and on south coast, villages of Beo, Lempintol, and Wawiai. | Related to Kayardild, Nyangga, Yugulda. Initiated males learn Damin, which has a very different phonology from Lardil (1992 R. M. W. Dixon OIEL, Vol. 1, p. 137). | Wiwirano dialect is spoken only by older adults. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lcd | Lola | 830 (1995 SIL). | 3 villages of Lola, Warabal, and Jambuair on 3 islands east of Kobroor and Baun islands, Aru Islands, southeast Maluku. | Lola, Warabal. Linguistically between Batuley and Dobel; close to Koba. | Most vigorous in Warabal. In Lola some young people use Ambonese Malay among themselves. In Jambuair there are many non-Aru people, so Ambonese Malay is in common use. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lce | Loncong | 424 (2000 WCD). | East coast on both sides of the mouths of the Kampat and Inderagiri rivers, nearby islands, and coasts of Bangka and Belitung islands. | Lola, Warabal. Linguistically between Batuley and Dobel; close to Koba. | Most vigorous in Warabal. In Lola some young people use Ambonese Malay among themselves. In Jambuair there are many non-Aru people, so Ambonese Malay is in common use. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lcf | Lubu | 30,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Central region of east Sumatra. | Related to Kubu. | Most vigorous in Warabal. In Lola some young people use Ambonese Malay among themselves. In Jambuair there are many non-Aru people, so Ambonese Malay is in common use. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lcl | Lisela | 11,922 (1989 SIL). | Northern, northeastern, north central coastal strips, and northwestern Buru Island, lower Wae Geren and Vae Apo valleys of Buru Island, central Maluku. Some in Ambon. | Lisela (Licela, Licella), Tagalisa. | Speakers are shifting to Ambonese Malay. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lcp | Lawa, Western | 7,000 in Thailand (1987 D. Schlatter). | Numerous villages in Chiangmai and Maehongson provinces of northern Thailand. | La-Oor. | Speakers also use Northern Tai. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| ldb | Idun | 10,000 (1972 Barrett). | Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. | La-Oor. | Speakers also use Northern Tai. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| ldd | Luri | 30 (1973 SIL). | Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA, Kayarda and Luri villages. | La-Oor. | Speakers also use Northern Tai. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% to 5%. Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. | |
| ldh | Lamja-Dengsa-Tola | 3,416 (2000 WCD). | Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa LGA, around Ganglamja (Lamja Mt.), near the road between Mayo Belwa and Tola. 13 villages of Lamja and Dengsa. The central town of the Lamja is Ganglamja. The Dengsa live south of the Lamja. | Lamja, Dengsa, Tola. A dialect cluster. The three dialects are inherently intelligible to each other's speakers. They may not be sufficiently distinct from Samba Daka to be a separate language. | Speakers also use Northern Tai. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | |
| ldj | Lemoro | 10,000 (1998 CAPRO). | Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA. | Lamja, Dengsa, Tola. A dialect cluster. The three dialects are inherently intelligible to each other's speakers. They may not be sufficiently distinct from Samba Daka to be a separate language. | Speakers also use Northern Tai. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | |
| ldk | Leelau | 5,000 (1995 Adelberger). | Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, between Bambuka and Karim-Lamido town, near Lake Mungah. | A member of the Munga dialect cluster. | Speakers also use Northern Tai. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | |
| ldm | Landoma | 14,400 (1991 Vanderaa). | Between the upper Rio Nunez and the upper Rio Pongas. Not in Guinea-Bissau. | Tiapi (Tapessi). Close to Baga and Temne. | Speakers also use Northern Tai. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | |
| ldo | Loo | 8,000 (1992 Crozier and Blench). | Gombe State, Kaltungo LGA; Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, northeast of Karim Lamido town, off the Bambuka to Karim-Lamido road. | Tiapi (Tapessi). Close to Baga and Temne. | Speakers also use Northern Tai. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | |
| ldq | Lufu | Ethnic population: 2,000 to 3,000 (1992). | Taraba State, Takum LGA, Lufu, and Lufu Jauro. | Tiapi (Tapessi). Close to Baga and Temne. | Speakers are shifting to Jukun. Culture and religion similar to the Jukun Kapya. Language reported to have been close to Bete and Bibi. Former speakers at Arufu near Wukari have lost the language. Speakers are older adults. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | |
| lec | Leco | 20 (2001 Simon van de Kerke). Ethnic population: 80 (2000 W. Adelaar). | East of Lake Titicaca, some in Apolo area, scattered families on the Mapiri-Kaka River in Karura, Candelaria, Tutilimundi and Uyapi and on the Coroico River in Trapichiponte in KeleKelera. | Reported to be Quechuan. | Speakers are shifting to Jukun. Culture and religion similar to the Jukun Kapya. Language reported to have been close to Bete and Bibi. Former speakers at Arufu near Wukari have lost the language. Speakers are older adults. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | Literacy rate in second language: low. | |
| led | Lendu | 10,000 in Uganda (2002 SIL). | Orientale Province, Ituri District, Djugu Territory, west and northwest of Lake Albert. Also spoken in Uganda. | Djadha (Jidha), Tadha, Pidha, Ddralo (Ddradha), Njawlo (Njawdha). Tadha is the standard dialect. Djadha is the largest dialect and the one used for literature. Jidha is the speech variety of the Bagegere (Northern Hema) who have adopted Lendu. | Speakers also use Swahili. | NT: 1936–1989. | NT: 1936–1989. | |
| lef | Lelemi | 48,900 (2003). | Southeast, town of Jasikan. | Djadha (Jidha), Tadha, Pidha, Ddralo (Ddradha), Njawlo (Njawdha). Tadha is the standard dialect. Djadha is the largest dialect and the one used for literature. Jidha is the speech variety of the Bagegere (Northern Hema) who have adopted Lendu. | Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Some bilingualism in Twi (Akan). | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Grammar. NT: 1995. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. Grammar. NT: 1995. | |
| leg | Lengua | 6,705 (2000 Adelaar). Ethnic population: 8,485 (2000 Adelaar). | Chaco, Presidente Hayes Department, Boquerón. | Northern Lengua (Eenthlit, Vowak, Lengua Norte), Southern Lengua (Lengua Sur). Differences between the two dialects are reported to be mainly phonological and orthographic. Southern Lengua are seminomadic. | Southern Lengua women are less bilingual in Paraguayan Guaraní. | Different orthography between Southern and Northern Lengua. Roman script. Bible: 1995. | Different orthography between Southern and Northern Lengua. Roman script. Bible: 1995. | |
| lei | Lemio | 271 (2003 SIL). | Madang Province, several villages on coast near Saidor. | Northern Lengua (Eenthlit, Vowak, Lengua Norte), Southern Lengua (Lengua Sur). Differences between the two dialects are reported to be mainly phonological and orthographic. Southern Lengua are seminomadic. | Southern Lengua women are less bilingual in Paraguayan Guaraní. | Different orthography between Southern and Northern Lengua. Roman script. Bible: 1995. | Different orthography between Southern and Northern Lengua. Roman script. Bible: 1995. | |
| lem | Nomaande | 6,000 (1982 SIL). | Center Province, Mbam Division, western and northern Bokito Subdivision, southwest of Bafia. | Northern Lengua (Eenthlit, Vowak, Lengua Norte), Southern Lengua (Lengua Sur). Differences between the two dialects are reported to be mainly phonological and orthographic. Southern Lengua are seminomadic. | Southern Lengua women are less bilingual in Paraguayan Guaraní. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Bible portions: 1994–1998. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Bible portions: 1994–1998. | |
| len | Lenca | Ethnic population: 36,858 in El Salvador (1987). | Town of Chilango. | Some consider it to be Macro-Chibchan. The dialect in El Salvador is different from Honduras. | Speakers are shifting to Spanish. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Bible portions: 1994–1998. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Bible portions: 1994–1998. | |
| leo | Leti | No estimate available. | Center Province, Lekie Division, northern Sa'a Subdivision, along the bend of the Sanaga River. | Some consider it to be Macro-Chibchan. The dialect in El Salvador is different from Honduras. | The Mangisa people are reported to speak two languages: Mengisa-Njowi, spoken daily, and Leti, a secret language of tradition (see Mengisa). | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Bible portions: 1994–1998. | Literacy rate in second language: 25% to 50%. Bible portions: 1994–1998. | |
| lep | Lepcha | 2,826 in Nepal (2001 census). Ethnic population: 3,660. | Mechi Zone, Ilam District. | Ilammu, Tamsangmu, Rengjongmu. | Many of the younger generation in Nepal speak Nepali as first language and do not speak Lepcha. | Literacy rate in second language: 26% (1971). Taught in primary schools. Has own script. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1989. | Literacy rate in second language: 26% (1971). Taught in primary schools. Has own script. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1989. | |
| leq | Lembena | 1,756 (2000 census). 750 monolinguals. | Enga Province, northeast corner, and into East Sepik Province. 8 villages: Eleme, Yambaitoko, Saut Isataele, Mosope, Itopeno, Pipitesa, Madawesa (Olimolo), and Mokosele. | Ilammu, Tamsangmu, Rengjongmu. | Vigorous. All domains. Some oral and written use in church, oral use in local commerce. All ages. Positive language attitude. 50% use Enga, Tok Pisin, or English as second language. Enga is the language of wider communication in the area. | Literacy rate in first language: 3%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. 2% can write it. No vernacular schools in Lembena area. | Literacy rate in first language: 3%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. 2% can write it. No vernacular schools in Lembena area. | |
| ler | Lenkau | 250 (1982 SIL). Ethnic population: 250 (2000 Tryon). | Manus Province, southwest Rambutyo Island. 1 village only. | Ilammu, Tamsangmu, Rengjongmu. | Vigorous. Most domains. All ages. Speakers also use Titan or Penchal. | Literacy rate in first language: 3%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. 2% can write it. No vernacular schools in Lembena area. | Literacy rate in first language: 3%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. 2% can write it. No vernacular schools in Lembena area. | |
| les | Lese | 50,000 (1991 SIL). | Orientale Province, Watsa, Djugu, Irumu, and Mambasa territories. | Lese Karo, Arumbi (Upstream Lese), Ndese (Lese Dese), Vukutu (Vonkutu, Obi), Fare. Close to Mamvu, Bendi, Mangbutu, Efe. | Congo Swahili (Kingwana) and Bangala are the lingua francas, but their use is somewhat limited, especially among the women. | Literacy rate in first language: 3%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. 2% can write it. No vernacular schools in Lembena area. | Literacy rate in first language: 3%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. 2% can write it. No vernacular schools in Lembena area. | |
| lev | Lamma | 10,000. Ethnic population: 10,000. | Southwestern and western Pantar, Lesser Sundas. | Kalondama, Tubal (Tube, Mauta), Biangwala. | Congo Swahili (Kingwana) and Bangala are the lingua francas, but their use is somewhat limited, especially among the women. | Literacy rate in first language: 3%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. 2% can write it. No vernacular schools in Lembena area. | Literacy rate in first language: 3%. Literacy rate in second language: below 5%. 2% can write it. No vernacular schools in Lembena area. | |
| lew | Kaili, Ledo | 233,500. Population includes 128,000 Ledo, Doi, Ado, and Edo together, 7,500 Ija and Taa together, 55,000 Rai and Raio together, 43,000 Tara (1979 Barr, Barr, and Salombe). 8,000 to 10,000 are in south. | Central and south Sulawesi. | Ledo (Palu), Doi, Ado, Edo, Tado, Tara (Parigi), Rai (Sindue-Tawaili, Tawaili-Sindue), Raio (Kori), Ija (Sigi), Taa. Doi is intelligible with Ledo, Edo; Ado the next most intelligible; Tado a little less. Some intelligibility of Da'a, but there are major sociolinguistic differences. Ledo has 80% to 88% lexical similarity with Ado, Edo, Doi, and Lindu. | Trade language. Ledo is the lingua franca throughout the West Toraja area; the largest and most prestigious of the Kaili varieties in Sulawesi. | NT: 1999. | NT: 1999. | |
| lex | Luang | 18,000 (1995 SIL). 200 monolinguals. | Moa, Lakor, Luang, Sermata, Wetan, northwest Babar Islands east of Timor, south Maluku. | Luang, Wetan (Wetang), Moa, Lakor. Low comprehension of Leti. Lexical similarity 89% with Leti. | Positive language attitude. Speakers also use Ambonese Malay, Bahasa Indonesia, Leti, or Kisar. | Literacy rate in first language: 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995–1997. | Literacy rate in first language: 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995–1997. | |
| ley | Lemolang | 2,000 (1995 SIL). | South Sulawesi, Luwu District, inland from the northeast coast, centered in the villages of Sassa and Salassa, with other scattered speakers in Sabbang Subdistrict, and possibly Baebunta. | Lexical similarity 41% with Mori Bawah, 39% with Mori Atas, 38% with Bungku, 39% with Buton, 31% with Seko Padang, 30% with Rampi, 29% with Toraja-Sa'dan, 26% with Muna, 25% with Wotu, 24% with Bugis. | Some children do not speak Lemolang; however, of 25 children questioned in 1990, 76% said they spoke it well. Bilingual level estimates for Indonesian: 0 0%, 1 3%, 2 75%, 3 22%, 4 0%, 5 0%. Tae' Luwu is the dominant language of the area. | Literacy rate in first language: 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995–1997. | Literacy rate in first language: 15%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. Bible portions: 1995–1997. | |
| lez | Lezgi | 171,400 in Azerbaijan (1996). | Near the northeastern border with Russia and on the southern slopes of the main Caucasus chain. | Quba. | Speakers also use Azerbaijani. | Cyrillic script. Grammar. Bible portions: 1990–1996. | Cyrillic script. Grammar. Bible portions: 1990–1996. | |
| lgg | Lugbara | 840,000 in Democratic Republic of the Congo (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). | Orientale Province, Aru Territory, 6 collectivités. | Zaki, Abedju-Azaki, Lu, Aluru, Nio, Otsho. | Speakers also use Azerbaijani. | Literacy campaign in progress. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Bible: 1966. | Literacy campaign in progress. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Bible: 1966. | |
| lgh | Laghuu | 300 (2002 Edmondson). | Northwestern Viet Nam. Lao Cai Province, Sa Pa District, Nam Sa village. 15 km south and east of Sa Pa City, in the valley below the highest mountain in Viet Nam, Phan Si Pan (3,198 meters). | It is not known how this relates to Laopang (Laopa) of Myanmar, also in the Lolo group. | Speakers also use Azerbaijani. | Literacy campaign in progress. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Bible: 1966. | Literacy campaign in progress. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Bible: 1966. | |
| lgi | Lengilu | 3 to 4 (2000 Wurm). | Northeast, between Sa'ban and Lundayeh. | It is not known how this relates to Laopang (Laopa) of Myanmar, also in the Lolo group. | Speakers also use Azerbaijani. | Literacy campaign in progress. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Bible: 1966. | Literacy campaign in progress. Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Bible: 1966. | |
| lgn | Opuuo | 301 in Ethiopia. 235 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 307 (1998 census). | Upper Nile Province, around Kigille and Maiwut on Ethiopia border. | Buldit, Kusgilo. | West-Central Oromo is the lingua franca of the area. | Literacy rate in second language: 35.9%. | Literacy rate in second language: 35.9%. | |
| lgq | Logba | 7,500 (2003). | Southeast. | Buldit, Kusgilo. | A population sample averaged 87% comprehension of Éwé mixed discourse types. | Literacy rate in second language: 35.9%. | Literacy rate in second language: 35.9%. | |
| lgt | Pahi | 845 (2000 census). | Sandaun Province, extending north in Maimai Namblo Division. | Related to Pasi, Kalou, Mehek, Yessan-Mayo. | A population sample averaged 87% comprehension of Éwé mixed discourse types. | Literacy rate in second language: 35.9%. | Literacy rate in second language: 35.9%. | |
| lha | Laha | 5,686 (1999 census). | Lao Cai and Son La provinces, along the Red and Black rivers. | Close to Qabiao. | Those under 50 seldom speak Laha. Those under 50 speak Thái and dress like the Tai Dam. | Literacy rate in second language: 35.9%. | Literacy rate in second language: 35.9%. | |
| lhl | Lohar, Lahul | 750 (1996). | Himachal Pradesh, Lahul Valley. | A different language from Gade Lohar. | Speakers also use Hindi. | Devanagari script. | Devanagari script. | |
| lhm | Lhomi | 1,000 in India. | West Bengal, Darjeeling. | The dialect may be different across the Tibet border. Lexical similarity 69% with Dolpo, 68% with Lowa, 66% with Walungge, 65% with Lhasa Tibetan and Kyerung, 64% with Nubri, 60% with Helambu Sherpa, 58% with Sherpa, 57% with Jirel. | Speakers also use Nepali. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 25% (men). | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 25% (men). | |
| lhn | Lahanan | 350 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Central, east of Belaga, southwest of Long Murum. | Closest to Kayaman. | Speakers also use Nepali. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 25% (men). | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 25% (men). | |
| lhp | Lhokpu | 2,500 (1993 Van Driem). | South western Bhutan, between Samtsi and Phuntsoling in Samtsi District, in 2 villages of Taba and Damtey. Also in Loto Kuchu, Sanglong, Sataka, and Lotu villages. | Closest to Kayaman. | Speakers also use Nepali. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 25% (men). | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 25% (men). | |
| lhs | Mlahsö | Extinct. | Qamishli town. Originally in Mlahsó and `Ansha villages, Diyarbakir Province, Turkey. | Close to Turoyo. | The last speaker died in 1998. His daughter knows Mlahsö well, but is nearly deaf and has no one to speak it to (1999). Mlahsö was still spoken by a handful of people during the 1970s. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 25% (men). | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 25% (men). | |
| lhu | Lahu | 6,874 All Lahu (Yellow, Black, White) in Viet Nam (1999 census). | Northwestern border of Viet Nam with Laos. Black Lahu are north of Muong Te City near the China border, at Ban Kiem Tra, Phu Nam Ma, Phu Nam Cau, Phu Nam Ha. White Lahu are in one village just to the east of Nha Ca in Muong Te. | Na (Black Lahu, Khucong, Musser Dam), Nyi (Red Lahu, Musseh Daeng), Shehleh, Lahu Phung (White Lahu). | Vigorous. Some speakers of other languages use Lahu as second language for commerce. Taught at Kunming Institute. All domains. All ages. Positive language attitude. 20% to 30% also use Chinese fluently, 50% to 60% use simple Chinese, 10% can understand but not speak it. 1,000 also use Lü, Hani, Blang, Va, or Yi as second languages. | Literacy rate in first language: 30% to 60%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. | Literacy rate in first language: 30% to 60%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. | |
| lia | Limba, West-Central | 335,000 (1989 J. Kaiser). Population includes East Limba. | North central area north of Makeni. | Western Limba (Tonko, Sela), Central (Tamiso, Gbongogbo). | Vigorous. Some speakers of other languages use Lahu as second language for commerce. Taught at Kunming Institute. All domains. All ages. Positive language attitude. 20% to 30% also use Chinese fluently, 50% to 60% use simple Chinese, 10% can understand but not speak it. 1,000 also use Lü, Hani, Blang, Va, or Yi as second languages. | NT: 1966–1983. | NT: 1966–1983. | |
| lic | Hlai | 667,000 (1999 Ouyang Jueya). 160,000 monolinguals (24% of population—10% children and 14% adults). 432,000 Ha, 178,000 Qi, 52,000 Jiamao, 44,000 Bendi, 30,000 Meifu (1990 census). | Mountains in central and south central Hainan Province, southern China. | Ha (Luohua-Hayan-Baoxian), Qi (Gei, Tongshi-Qiandui-Baocheng), Meifu (Moifau), Bendi (Zwn, Baisha-Yuanmen). Divided into 5 groups: Ha Li, Meifu Li, Qi Li, Local Li, Detou Li. Some varieties listed as dialects may be separate languages. J. Matisoff lists 8 varieties: Baoding, Xifang, Tongshi, Baisha, Qiandiu, Heitu, Yuanmen, Baocheng. Luowo speech of Ha dialect is considered to be the standard. Lexical similarity 30% with Northern Zhuang, 27% with Gelo, 26% with Dong and Laqua, 25% with Lati, 23% with Buyang. | Vigorous. Some Chinese living in the area can also speak Hlai. All domains. All ages. Positive language attitude. Bilinguals use Chinese as second language. A few also speak Mien or Zhuang. Spoken and written Chinese in common use. Mandarin used in secondary schools. | Literacy rate in second language: 54%. Roman script. Dictionary. | Literacy rate in second language: 54%. Roman script. Dictionary. | |
| lif | Limbu | 28,000 in India (1997). | Sikkim, mainly West District; West Bengal, Darjeeling District. | Taplejunge (Tamorkhole, Taplejung), Panthare (Pantharey, Panchthare, Panchthar, Panthare-Yanggrokke-Chaubise-Charkhole), Phedappe, Chattare (Chhattare, Chhathar, Chatthare, Chatthare Yakthungba Pan, Yakthung Pan). Related to Lohorong and Yakha. Chaubise dialect is similar to Panthare, and Phedappe to Taplejunge. Chattare is poorly understood by speakers of the other dialects. Inherent intelligibility among the dialect speakers is 80% to 90%. Lexical similarity above 80% among the dialects. | Vigorous. One of the main groups in eastern Nepal. Used in the home and worship. All ages. Positive language attitude. Panthare dialect is dominant in size, prestige, and language development. People prefer their own dialect, but are not negative toward others. 28% of adult speakers (48% of men and 6% of women) have completed 5 years of school, and have good general proficiency in Nepali. 62% of the Limbu have no more than basic proficiency. There is a trend toward more use of Nepali, especially among young people, but it is not replacing Limbu in any domain. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% in Sirijangga script, 40% in Devanagari. Literacy rate in second language: 46.8% among the Limbu ethnic group (1991 census). Extensive literacy effort needed. Motivation high among all. It would be easier to read Limbu in Devanagari, but attitudes strongly positive toward Sirijannga script being taught. Local script; Roman, Devanagari, and Limbu scripts in India. Poetry. Magazines. Newspapers. Radio programs. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. | Literacy rate in first language: 1% in Sirijangga script, 40% in Devanagari. Literacy rate in second language: 46.8% among the Limbu ethnic group (1991 census). Extensive literacy effort needed. Motivation high among all. It would be easier to read Limbu in Devanagari, but attitudes strongly positive toward Sirijannga script being taught. Local script; Roman, Devanagari, and Limbu scripts in India. Poetry. Magazines. Newspapers. Radio programs. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lig | Ligbi | 4,000 in Côte d'Ivoire (1991 Vanderaa). | Eastern Department, one large village called Bineto, one community at Bouna, the town of Slil near Boundoukou, some at Ourodougou on the edge of Malinke territory. | Bungase, Gyogo, Hwela (Weila, Wiila, Weela, Vwela), Dwera (Manji-Kasa), Atumfuor (Atumfuor-Kasa), Ntoleh. | In other countries, blacksmiths speaking Manding languages are also called 'Noumou', but in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, the Noumou speak Ligbi. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. | |
| lii | Lingkhim | 1 (1991 W. Winter). | Mechi Zone, Ilam District, Sumbek Panchayat Yokpi. Original homeland was apparently near the lower Dudhkosi River. | Bungase, Gyogo, Hwela (Weila, Wiila, Weela, Vwela), Dwera (Manji-Kasa), Atumfuor (Atumfuor-Kasa), Ntoleh. | Speakers have shifted to Bantawa. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 15% to 25%. | |
| lij | Ligurian | 5,100 in Monaco, (1988). | Bonifacio, Corsica, and between the Italian border and Monaco. | Genoese (Genoan, Genovese), Monégasque (Munegasc, Ventimigliese). | Monégasque was nearly extinct in the 1970s. | Compulsory learning in schools has revived it. | Compulsory learning in schools has revived it. | |
| lil | Lillooet | 200 (2002 Poser). Ethnic population: 2,800 (1977 SIL). | Southern British Columbia, area of Lillooet and middle Fraser rivers. | Genoese (Genoan, Genovese), Monégasque (Munegasc, Ventimigliese). | Speakers are older adults. Extensive bilingualism in English. | Dictionary. Grammar. | Dictionary. Grammar. | |
| lim | Limburgisch | Depending on the city in Germany, 50% to 90% of the population speak it (2001 A. Schunck). | German-administered Limburg: Cleves, Aachen, Viersen, Heinsberg. | A Rhenisch-Mass group of dialects, now often combined with the Cleves dialects (Kleverländisch) as 'Rheinmaasländisch'. Limburgisch straddles the borderline between 'Low Franconian' and 'Middle Franconian' varieties. They are more-or-less mutually intelligible with the Ripuarian dialects, but show fewer 'High German shifts' (R. Hahn 2001). | Officially recognized in the Netherlands. Efforts are underway to have it officially recognized in Belgium. Promotion efforts are strong. It has more prestige in the Netherlands. All domains, songs. All ages. Speakers also use German. | Literacy rate in second language: 99% to 100%. | Literacy rate in second language: 99% to 100%. | |
| lip | Sekpele | 23,400 (2003). | Southeast, north of Hohoe. | Sekwa, Sekpele. | Vigorous. All domains. All ages. A population sample averaged 75% comprehension of Éwé mixed discourse types. Twi is also used. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 5% to 15%. | |
| liq | Libido | 36,612 (1998 census). 14,623 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 38,096 (1998 census). | Hadiyya, Kambaata, Gurage Region, northeast of Hosaina. | Syntactic, morphological, and lexical differences from Hadiyya. Lexical similarity 82% with Hadiyya, 57% with Kambaata, 56% with Allaaba, 53% with Sidamo. | 9,208 second-language speakers. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 15.7%. | Literacy rate in first language: below 1%. Literacy rate in second language: 15.7%. | |
| lir | Liberian English | No estimate available. | Hadiyya, Kambaata, Gurage Region, northeast of Hosaina. | Kru Pidgin English. Regional dialects. | Trade language. 1,500,000 second-language speakers (1984 census). Used as a second language for communication between different language groups. | Radio programs. | Radio programs. | |
| lis | Lisu | 16,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone). | Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Maehongson, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet provinces. Some have migrated to northwest Thailand from Myanmar. | Lu Shi Lisu. | Vigorous. Speakers of other languages in the area use Lisu for administration, religion, and bilingual education in schools. In Drung and Nu areas, oral and written Lisu are used for Christian activities. Taught at Kumning Institute. All domains. All ages. Positive language attitude. Speakers also use Chinese. 150,000 can also speak Bai, Tibetan, Naxi, Lü, or Jingpho. Chinese is used in secondary schools. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 50% to 75%. | Literacy rate in first language: 5% to 10%. Literacy rate in second language: 50% to 75%. | |
| lit | Lithuanian | 2,955,200 in Lithuania (1998). Population includes 3,460 Tatar. Population total all countries: 3,125,281. | Throughout the country. Also spoken in Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Poland, Russia (Europe), Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan. | Aukshtaitish (Aukshtaichiai, Aukstaitiskai, Highland Lithuanian), Dzukish (Dzukiskai), Shamaitish (Samogitian, Zhemaitish, Zemaitis, Zemaitiskai, Zemachiai, Lowland Lithuanian), Suvalkietiskai. Aukstaitiskai speakers can understand Suvalkai easily, Dzukai with a little difficulty, and vice versa. Zemaitiskai is difficult for all others to understand. | Official language. All domains. All ages. Some speakers have reserved attitudes toward Russian and Polish. Russian or English used with foreigners. | Literacy rate in first language: 99%. Roman script. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1735–1998. | Literacy rate in first language: 99%. Roman script. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1735–1998. | |
| liu | Logorik | 2,000 (1971 Welmers). | Northern Sudan, central Nuba Mountains, Jebel Liguri and other hills northeast of Kadugli. | Saburi, Tallau (Talau, Talo), Liguri. Lexical similarity 64% with Shatt, 56% with Daju of Dar Fur (Nyala and Lagowa), 57% with Sila. | Speakers also use Sudanese Arabic. | Literacy rate in first language: 99%. Roman script. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1735–1998. | Literacy rate in first language: 99%. Roman script. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1735–1998. | |
| liv | Liv | 15 to 20 (1995 V. Zeps). | 8 coastal villages west of Kolkasrags in Kurzeme and a dispersed population elsewhere, mostly in Riga. | Western Livonian (Kurzeme, Raandalist), Eastern Livonian (Vidzeme). | Eastern Livonian is now extinct. Speakers also use Latvian or Russian. | NT: 1942. | NT: 1942. | |
| liw | Lembak | 50,000 (1989). | Interior south Sumatra around Lubuklinggau and east of Bengkulu; 2 areas. | Lembak Bliti (Bliti), Lembak Sindang. | Eastern Livonian is now extinct. Speakers also use Latvian or Russian. | NT: 1942. | NT: 1942. | |
| lix | Liabuku | 75 (2004 SIL). | Southeast Sulawesi, one village north of Bau-Bau in Bungi and Kapontori districts, south Buton Island. | Quite divergent from other Muna varieties. Lexical similarity 82% with the Burukene dialect of Muna, 72% to 76% with other Muna dialects, 72% with Muna, 75% with Kioko. | Use is in decline. | NT: 1942. | NT: 1942. | |
| lje | Rampi | 8,000 (1991 SIL). 2,300 in South Sulawesi, 5,700 in Central Sulawesi. | South Sulawesi, 6 villages in an isolated mountain area of Masamba Subdistrict in Luwu District; also in Sabbang Limbong, Wotu, and Mangkutana subdistricts; and about 15 villages in Poso and Donggala districts of Central Sulawesi. Rato speakers have moved elsewhere. | Rampi (Lambu), Rato. Leboni is the prestige dialect. | Vigorous. | NT: 1942. | NT: 1942. | |
| lji | Laiyolo | 800 (1997 SIL). Population includes 250 Laiyolo, 550 Barang-Barang. | South Sulawesi, Laiyolo in villages of Lembang Mate'ne in Desa Laiyolo, and a few in Kilotepo' and Sangkeha'. Barang-Barang in Barang-Barang village in Desa Lowa, southern tip of Selayar Island. | Barang-Barang (Loa, Loa', Lowa), Laiyolo (Lajolo, Layolo). Barang-Barang may need separate literature. Lexical similarity 86% between Laiyolo and Barang-Barang, 76% with Kalao, 65% with Buton, 53% with Wotu, 39% with Muna. | Vigorous in Barang-Barang dialect. Children in Laiyolo villages are reported to not be using Laiyolo. Selayar is second language used. Indonesian used little. | NT: 1942. | NT: 1942. | |
| ljl | Li'o | 130,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Central Flores, west of Sikka around Paga and Dondo, Lesser Sundas. | Dialect cluster with Ende. Palu'e is borderline between language and dialect with Li'o. | Vigorous in Barang-Barang dialect. Children in Laiyolo villages are reported to not be using Laiyolo. Selayar is second language used. Indonesian used little. | NT: 1942. | NT: 1942. | |
| ljp | Lampung | 1,500,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Southern Sumatra, entire province of Lampung. | Dialect cluster with Ende. Palu'e is borderline between language and dialect with Li'o. | Outside of the city, Lampung is used daily in home and village. Teachers must use Lampung to communicate with children, especially in lower grades. The majority can speak some Indonesian, which is used in schools, and increasingly in the city as first language by Lampung people. | Roman and Lampung scripts. Grammar. Bible portions: 1999–2000. | Roman and Lampung scripts. Grammar. Bible portions: 1999–2000. | |
| lka | Lakalei | 5,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Ethnic population: 5,000. | Central Timor Island, north of Same, northeast of Ainaro. | Close to Idate, Tetun, Galoli. | Outside of the city, Lampung is used daily in home and village. Teachers must use Lampung to communicate with children, especially in lower grades. The majority can speak some Indonesian, which is used in schools, and increasingly in the city as first language by Lampung people. | Roman and Lampung scripts. Grammar. Bible portions: 1999–2000. | Roman and Lampung scripts. Grammar. Bible portions: 1999–2000. | |
| lkh | Lakha | 8,000 (1993 Van Driem). | Central Timor Island, north of Same, northeast of Ainaro. | Close to Idate, Tetun, Galoli. | Outside of the city, Lampung is used daily in home and village. Teachers must use Lampung to communicate with children, especially in lower grades. The majority can speak some Indonesian, which is used in schools, and increasingly in the city as first language by Lampung people. | Roman and Lampung scripts. Grammar. Bible portions: 1999–2000. | Roman and Lampung scripts. Grammar. Bible portions: 1999–2000. | |
| lki | Laki | 1,000,000 (2002 Fattah). 150,000 monolinguals. Population includes 10,000 Nahavand Lurs. | Western Iran, Ilam, Lorestan provinces, cities of Aleshtar, Kuhdesht, Nurabad-e Dolfan, Khorramabad. | Lexical similarity 70% with Western Farsi, 78% with Luristani (Khorramabadi), 69% with Northern Luri (central rural dialects). | Vigorous. Used in the home. All ages. A few young people whose parents speak Laki have learned only Northern Luri or Western Farsi. Positive language attitude. Speakers also use Northern Luri or Western Farsi. | Poetry. Dictionary. | Poetry. Dictionary. | |
| lkj | Remun | 3,500 (2000 SIL). | Serian District, Kuching Division, 13 villages southeast of Serian to Balai Ringin. | Lexical similarity 70% with Western Farsi, 78% with Luristani (Khorramabadi), 69% with Northern Luri (central rural dialects). | All ages. Attitudes toward Iban and Malay go from indifferent to unfriendly. Strong sense of identity centered around the Remun isolect. Speakers also use Iban, Sawawak Malay, Bahasa Malaysia, English, Bidayuh. | Poetry. Dictionary. | Poetry. Dictionary. | |
| lkl | Laeko-Libuat | 719 (2003 SIL). Population includes 518 in area and 20 outside. | Sandaun Province, Torricelli Mountains, west of Mehek. | Lexical similarity 70% with Western Farsi, 78% with Luristani (Khorramabadi), 69% with Northern Luri (central rural dialects). | All ages. Attitudes toward Iban and Malay go from indifferent to unfriendly. Strong sense of identity centered around the Remun isolect. Speakers also use Iban, Sawawak Malay, Bahasa Malaysia, English, Bidayuh. | Poetry. Dictionary. | Poetry. Dictionary. | |
| lkr | Päri | 28,000 (1987 SIL). | Southern Sudan, E. Equatoria Province, on Jebel Lafon. They are northwest of the Lopit, and northeast of the Lokoya, in villages of Bura, Pucwaa, Pugari, Kor, Angulumeere, and Wiatuo. | Lexical similarity 70% with Western Farsi, 78% with Luristani (Khorramabadi), 69% with Northern Luri (central rural dialects). | All ages. Attitudes toward Iban and Malay go from indifferent to unfriendly. Strong sense of identity centered around the Remun isolect. Speakers also use Iban, Sawawak Malay, Bahasa Malaysia, English, Bidayuh. | Poetry. Dictionary. | Poetry. Dictionary. | |
| lkt | Lakota | 6,000 in the USA (1987 SIL and 1997 Pustet). Ethnic population: 20,000 (1987 SIL and 1997 Pustet). 103,255 ethnic Sioux in USA (1990 Census Bureau). | Wood Mountain. Those at Wood Mountain may be Dakota. | Brulé. | Vigorous in some Lakota communities. | Grammar. | Grammar. | |
| lky | Lokoya | 40,138 (2000 WCD). | Southern Sudan, eastern Equatoria, Torit District. | Lexical similarity 64% with Otuho, 57% with Lopit, 56% with Dongotono. | Speakers are reported to be bilingual in Otuho. | Grammar. | Grammar. | |
| llg | Lole | 20,000 (2002 UKAW). Ethnic population: 20,000. | Rote Island west central, domains of Lole and Ba'a. North Lole dialect covers north and central regions of Lole domain. | North Lole, South Lole, Ba'a. North Lole 'na-hina' becomes South Lole 'ni-hina'. | Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Speakers also use Kupang, Indonesian. | Grammar. | Grammar. | |
| llk | Lelak | 220 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Northeast, east of Sibuti (Dali) and the Tinjar River (Lelak). | Lelak, Dali. Related to Narom, Kiput, Tutong 2, Berawan. | They may now speak only Belait. | Grammar. | Grammar. | |
| lll | Lilau | 449 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Madang Province, Bogia District. | Lelak, Dali. Related to Narom, Kiput, Tutong 2, Berawan. | They may now speak only Belait. | Grammar. | Grammar. | |
| llm | Lasalimu | 2,000 (1979 Bhurhanuddin). | Southeastern part of Buton Island, Lasalimu Subdistrict, southeast Sulawesi. | Lexical similarity 68% with Kamaru, 64% with Cia-Cia, 57% with Tukang Besi, 51% with Pancana, 50% with Wolio and Muna. | They may now speak only Belait. | Grammar. | Grammar. | |
| lln | Lele | 26,000 (1991 UBS). | Southwest Chad, Tandjilé Prefecture, Kélo Subprefecture, south of Kélo. | Lexical similarity 68% with Kamaru, 64% with Cia-Cia, 57% with Tukang Besi, 51% with Pancana, 50% with Wolio and Muna. | They may now speak only Belait. | NT: 1991. | NT: 1991. | |
| llo | Khlor | 6,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). | Saravan Province, Laongam District, south of Ir and Ong. | Closest to Ngeq. | They may now speak only Belait. | NT: 1991. | NT: 1991. |
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