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Yi ethnic group is one the most ethnic groups in China, mainly based in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou provinces and the northwest of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. They are grouped in zones/region dispersed all over those provinces, mainly in the Sichuan Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Honghe Hani Yi Autonomous Prefecture, and Liupanshui in Bijie Prefecture of Guizhou province. This paper focuses on the people of the LiangShan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Ganluo County to investigate different regions, generations, situations and gender’s language use, and to make multi-directional, multi-angle and (tridimensional) investigation on Yi language use. It attaches importance to combining synchronic and diachronic research so as to investigate the similarities and differences of language use-by different users and in diverse occasions-between the Yi and Han Chinese. The Yi language of Ganluo County’s basic characteristics is the following: Firstly, Yi language is the most important communication tool of people in theirdaily life in GanLou. Secondly, bilingualism------ in Yi and Hanlanguages-is a universal phenomenon. Thirdly, Yi language still has strong vitality, and differs from one region to another as well as according to the age, situation, or gender. Fourth, the Yi language is recessionary in some areas and social groups.Regarding language attitude, the Yi people do not only identify with learning and mastering Chinese stronger than ever before, but also try to create a better environment for their children to also learn and master Chinese, and later on speed up the improvements of bilingual language capabilities of the young Yi generation. Consequently, monolingualism among Yi people is gradually declining. However, in the Yi-intensive areas, the use of Chinese is not predominant; Yi remains the main language in their daily life. Yi still has strong vitality: it is not only the most convenient mean to express their thoughts and feelings for Yi people, but also the most effective tool to transmit their traditional culture. In other words, Chinese and Yi each have their own role, and perform their respective functions in different areas and at different levels.
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