Li people facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1.3 million (est.) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Hainam, China Vietnam |
|
| Languages | |
| Hlai languages, Hainanese and Mandarin |
|
| Religion | |
| Animism and Buddhism |
The Hlai (pronounced 'Lai'), also known as the Li people, are a special group of people who mostly live on Hainam Island. This island is located off the southern coast of China, near Vietnam. The Hlai are one of 56 official ethnic groups recognized by the Chinese government.
Contents
Who are the Hlai People?
The Hlai people are an important part of China's diverse population. There are about 1.3 million Hlai people. They have their own unique culture and traditions.
Where Do They Live?
Most Hlai people live on Hainam Island in China. Some Hlai people also live in Vietnam. Hainam Island is a beautiful place with a warm climate.
A Look Back in Time
Long ago, during the time of the Sui Dynasty in China, the Hlai people were called 'Liliao'. Today, they call themselves the Hlai or Sai people. In Mandarin, they are known as 'Lí'.
Their Unique Language
The Hlai people have their own language, called Hlai. It is related to languages like Thai and Lao. There are different ways of speaking Hlai, called dialects. Sometimes, these dialects are so different that people speaking them cannot easily understand each other.
Before the 1950s, the Hlai language did not have a writing system. Then, they started using the Latin alphabet to write their language. Today, many Hlai people also speak Mandarin and Hainanese.
Images for kids
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Traditional weaving methods of the Hlai on Hainan Island, China. The worker uses her feet to stretch the handloom.
See also
In Spanish: Li (etnia) para niños
