Pa’o

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
blk
Alternate Names
Black Karen, Northern Taungthu, Pa Oh, Pa’o, Pa-O, Pa’o Karen, Pa-U
Population

560,000 in Myanmar (1983 census). Very few monolinguals. Population total all countries: 560,740.

Location

Southwest Shan State; Kayah State, Loikaw; Kayin State areas near Shan State border; Mon State near Thaton. Also in Thailand.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karenic, Peripheral
Dialects

Northern Pa’o, Southern Pa’o. Reportedly fairly high comprehension among dialects.

Typology

SVO

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Shan [shn], Burmese [mya].

Language Development
Literacy classes in some communities, especially at Buddhist monasteries. Dictionary. NT: 2009.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Pa’o
Writing
Myanmar (Burmese) script.
Other Comments

The Pa’o have been given a Self-Administered Zone in Shan State. Buddhist.

Also spoken in:

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