Äynu language


Äynu is a Turkic cryptolect spoken in Western China known in various spelling as Aynu, Ayni, Ainu, Aini, Eynu, Eyni or by the Uyghur Abdal, in Russian sources Eynu, Aynu, Abdal, by the Chinese as Ainu. Some linguists call it a mixed language, having a mostly Turkic grammar, essentially Yugur, but a mainly Iranian vocabulary. Other linguists argue that it does not meet the technical requirements of a mixed language. It is spoken by the Äynu, a nomadic people. The Äynu people call their language Äynú.

Geographic distribution

Äynu is spoken in Western China in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on the edge of the Taklimakan Desert in the Tarim Basin.

Use as a secret language

The only speakers of Äynu are adult men. Uyghur is spoken with outsiders and with women, who do not speak Äynu. Äynu is spoken at home when it is not necessary to disguise one's speech.

Sounds

Consonants

Vowels

Numerals

Äynu numerals are borrowed from Persian: