Bunun Language - Classification

Classification

Li (1988) splits the Bunun dialects into 3 main branches — Northern, Central, and Isbukun. Isbukun, the prestige dialect, is also the most divergent dialect. The most conservative dialects are spoken in the north.

• Proto-Bunun
  • Isbukun
  • North-Central
    • Northern
      • Takituduh
      • Takibakha
    • Central
      • Takbanuað
      • Takivatan

Bunun was originally spoken in and around Sinyi Township (Xinyi, 信義鄉) in Nantou County (De Busser 2009:63). From the 17th century onwards, the Bunun people expanded towards the south and east, absorbing other ethnic groups such as the Saaroa, Kanakanabu, and Thao.