Xibe Language Revitalization and Documentation Project

Abstract

Xibe (also Romanized as Sibo, Xibo, and Sibe) is a Manchu-Tungus language spoken by approximately 40,000 individuals in Northwestern China (Xinjiang Uygur [Uighur] Autonomous Region), and is one of the 56 recognized ethnic minorities in China. Xibe of Xinjiang is the only currently viable member of the Southwestern branch of the Tungusic language family, and is closely related to the nearly extinct Manchu language. The Tungusic languages are completely unrelated to the modern majority language, Chinese. Xibe possesses a rich literature employing a slightly revised version of the Manchu script, as represented in the title bar of this poster. The current collaborative project involves morphological and syntactic analysis leading to a linguistic grammar, a dictionary, and a collection of indigenous Xibe stories in support of indigenous Xibe language description and documentation goals. The products of this research will contribute to the continued use and vitality of the Xibe language and culture.