Bunun is currently subdivided into five dialects: Isbukun, Takbunuaz, Takivatan, Takibaka and Takituduh.

Li (1988) splits these dialects into three main branches — Northern, Central, and Isbukun (also classified as Southern Bunun).

Bunun was originally spoken in and around Sinyi Township (Xinyi) in Nantou County.

[3] From the 17th century onwards, the Bunun people expanded towards the south and east, absorbing other ethnic groups such as the Saaroa, Kanakanavu, and Thao.

[7] Many other languages with a focus system have different marking for patients, instruments and beneficiaries,[citation needed] but this is not the case in Bunun.

[8] Some of these prefixes are special in that they do not only occur in the verb they derive, but are also foreshadowed on a preceding auxiliary.

Takivatan Bunun personal pronoun roots are (De Busser 2009:453): The tables of Takivatan Bunun personal pronouns below are sourced from De Busser (2009:441).