★ Classics of Yunnan Ethnic Groups in English Translation is a collection of 17 classical works from 11 ethnic groups in Yunnan Province, published in the bilingual form.
★ This is the first time in China that a large-scale English translation of Yunnan's rich ethnic classics has been undertaken.
★ The classics selected for the set are mainly myths and epics of various ethnic groups, such as Zhaoshutun, Old Folk Songs of the Dai & the Naxi, Manau Jaiwa, PamiChali, Zhisa Jiabu, Chamu, Meige and The Gold Flute, etc.

Twelve Nujus is a multi-part ballad of the Hani ethnic group, who mostly reside in the mountainous areas between the Red River and the Mekong River in southern Yunnan Province. Nuju is a Hani word, meaning ancient songs, or tunes. So Twelve Nujus means “twelve ancient songs”. In narrative form, these songs cover important themes like the creation of the world, group history, agricultural production, ethics and morals, ceremonies and festivals. For the Hani people who didn’t have their own written language for a long time, these songs served to preserve and pass on their knowledge and values, and at the same time united and inspired the Hani community through hard times.
As an intrinsic part of the Hani people’s life, these songs are usually sung with no accompaniment, by well-respected singers known as Mopi. They are sung at significant events like weddings, funerals, festivals and banquets. Dependent on the occasion, the singer might choose one or more Nujus to present. As singers generally sing from memory with poetic license during the performance, the wording might vary slightly each time, or among different singers. That explains why Twelve Nujus has a few alternate versions.

Mudimidi // 1
Mupumipa // 13
Angshaxisi // 29
Azizidou // 45
Azhaduola // 57
Apisong’a // 73
Juema Pude // 93
Mushimiga // 111
Duda’naga // 117
Wangzuidama // 155
Jueche Lizu // 167
Huojilaji // 183