MAN GOO GOO!
(HELLO IN KHANTAU)
Take part in the Khantau (Xiandao) language preservation project and help safeguard a unique treasure of human heritage.
What is Khantau language
Deep in the mountains of Gaoligong , Dehong, Yunnan, China, there is a hidden village called "Xiandao". A unique ethnic group lives here, and they use Khantau language. ("Xiandao" is the Mandarin name of the ethnic group) Khantau language is a Burmish Tibeto-Burman language, closely related to the languages of Achang, Zaiwa, Leqi, Bola, and Burman, in terms of lingusitic features.
Khantau is unique among the Tibeto-Burman languages and provides important material for synchronic and historical comparative linguistic research.
You can see where Dehong is located in Yunnan and where Yunnan is located in China on the right hand side.
Where Dehong is located in Yunnan Province, PRC.
Where Yunnan Province is located in PRC.
And why do we start this project?
We are a group of 17-year-old energetic language preservation activists at KMYZ-INTL in Kunming, Yunnan, China.
We don't do things just for college application. We believe that our efforts are making a sustainable difference. We will make Khantau language survive.
Language Documentation
We regard language documentation as a crucial part of any language preservation program. Therefore, the top priority of this program is to document as much existing Khantau language material as possible.
Our ways of documenting Khantau language are multifaceted. We document both physically and digitally, both within and outside the government protection framework.
Language Promotion
After two months of filming and editing, we released the first-ever documentary in Khantau — a milestone marking the moment this language can officially voice itself to the world.
The documentary is freely available on more than ten Chinese and international platforms, including (but not limited to) YouTube, TikTok (Douyin), Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), Bilibili, and WeChat Official Accounts.
Khantau Cultural Archive
The National Culture Center at Khantau is a key place for preserving minority cultures and keeping ethnic traditions alive. It offers a welcoming space where people can learn about art, join cultural activities, and experience the beauty of ethnic and folk heritage. We are currently requesting funds from the government and local businesses to support the establishment of this cultural center.
Want to know what our plan looks like and give some advice? Click here.
Our Partners
We are proud to have the support of the Yunnan Provincial Government of China.
Impressive? That’s just the beginning — we are also working in collaboration with a growing list of agencies and organizations.
