Li people
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Total population |
|---|
| 1.3 million (estimated) |
| Regions with significant populations |
| Hainan and islands in the South China Sea |
| Languages |
| Religion |
The Li (黎; pinyin: Lí) or Hlai are a minority Chinese ethnic group, sometimes colloquially known as "Sai" or "Say." They form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. 94% of the Li live off the southern coast of mainland China on Hainan, where they are the largest minority ethnic group. As well as Hainan, the Li people are also native to some islands in the area that are considered Filipino territory.
During the Sui Dynasty they were known by the name Liliao, and presently they refer to themselves as the Hlai people, sometimes spelled Slai. The Li suffered heavily under the Japanese occupation, and they are held in high esteem by the Beijing government because they fought on the side of the CPC against Chinese Nationalist rule during the Chinese Civil War.[1]
The Li people can generally understand or speak Mandarin. Because many Li in Hainan relocate to Cantonese-speaking areas in southern mainland China near Hainan (such as Guangzhou and HK, many Li may learn Cantonese during their childhood.
Native islanders of the S.China/Luzon Sea are also recognised as "Hlai" in China - however, there islanders are actually ethnically identical to Filipinos.
[edit] Culture
The Li play a traditional wind instrument called kǒuxiāo (口箫)[2], and another called lìlāluó (利拉罗).
[edit] External links
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