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What do autonym and exonym mean in the naming of Tibeto-Burman languages?
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Tibeto-Burman languages
Relationships among the Tibeto-Burman languages.
In the study of Tibeto-Burman languages, the profusion of names for a single language often creates confusion. To clarify these designations:
- Autonym: This refers to the name that a group of speakers uses to identify their own language.1
- Exonym: This refers to the name or names given to a language or group by other, neighboring peoples.1
The naming landscape is further complicated by the use of paleonyms (older names, some of which may be considered pejorative) and neonyms (newer names that have replaced the old). Because many Tibeto-Burman languages are known by multiple designations, scholars must carefully distinguish between these terms to avoid conflating specific languages with broader ethnic groups. For example, the Tujia people are officially recognized by that name, but their autonym is Pitsikha.1