Zbu language

Zbu (), or Showu, is a Gyalrong language spoken in Sichuan, China.

The Khalong Tibetan language has a Zbu/Showu substratum, as evident from its phonology and grammar.

Phonology

Consonants

Vowels

Zbu has nine vowel phonemes: , , , , , , , and .

Distribution

Gates (2012: 105–106) lists the following locations where Zbu is spoken. It is spoken by over 6,000 people in 28 villages.

• Sìdàbà (Stod-pa) District of Barkam County: in Kāngshān (Khang-sar) and Rìbù (rDzong-’bur) Townships.
• Rangtang County: WúyÄ« Township and Shili Township, in Shàngdàshígōu, Zhōngdàshígōu, and Xiàdàshígōu Villages; Shili Township also has Shangzhai (sTodsde/Northern Horpa) speakers.
• Gēlètuó Township, Seda County, Ganzi Prefecture: in Tshopo, Nyagluo, Rabde, and Tshekho Villages.
• Southwestern corner of Ābà/rNga-ba County: in Kēhé and Róngān Townships (Asejie, Mengu, Sharga, Ganba, and Tsega Villages). Amdo Tibetan is the local lingua franca.

References

Sources