Endangered Languages Challenge, 2/7, Manchu
The language is called ᠮᠠᠨᠵᡠ ᡤᡳᠰᡠᠨ (Manchu Gisun, it should be vertically written) in the language itself, 清文 or 清語 in Chinese, and Manchu in English.
Genealogical affiliation:
Manchu is a Tungusic language of the southern Manchu branch, and it is closest relation is the Jurchen language. There are also many loanwords from Mandarin and Mongolian.
Location of the language:
Manchu is still spoken in the historical region of Manchuria, and was the native language of the the Manchus and one of the official languages of the Qing dynasty.
Number of speakers:
Although there are 10 million ethnic Manchus in China, there are only 10 native speakers of Manchu left. A 2007 census counted 18 octogenarian residents, but it has of course unfortunately decreased since then. However, thanks to free courses offered for adults by the government, there are also a few thousand L2 speakers.
Endangerment situation:
Manchu is considered critically endangered by UNESCO. The EGIDS level of Manchu is 8b (nearly extinct). Throughout the 20th century, the PRC state forbid expressions of non-han ethnic cultures in an effort to completely sinicize the country, and that ban held in place until the death of Mao Zedong. Manchu is still thought of as a foreign language in a Mandarin-speaking country, and many ethnic Manchu choose to learn languages like Mongolian instead.
Official/legal status:
Manchu does not hold any official status, but is recognised as an indigenous language.
Documentation status:
Manchu is an incredibly important language for historians studying the Qing dynasty. Texts written in Manchu provide information not available in Chinese texts, and when Chinese contemporary texts have Manchu translations, the Manchu version often aids understanding of the Chinese. The PRC state is supporting revitalisation efforts (somewhat surprisingly) by offering free classes for adults and funding . Manchu associations can be found across the country, including in Taiwan and Hong Kong, to serve as a go-between for Manchu people and the state.
Sources
Wikipedia
Ethnologue
More wikipedia
Omniglot
That one youtube channel and also they use the wrong flag
yousharknotpass
janainaart
areudirty
titsay
vaporwave
dailybridgerton
