Chin, Laitu

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
clj
Alternate Names
Daitu, Hio Bei, Hle-tu, Laikhy, Laitu Kheu, Ledu, Leitu
Population

15,000 (2007 SIL).

Location

Rakhine State, Sittwe district, Minpya, Mrauk-U, and Myepung townships.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern
Dialects

Dalet Stream (Lawktu), Kanni Stream, Lemyo River, Panmyawogyi River (Kawngtu), Phuntha Stream (Daaitu), Yaw Stream. Dialects tend to differ by stream. High intelligibility within the main dialect area (Nyuan Net Khuasung, Ahongdong, Pharphyaw, Pheithapyin villages). Lower intelligibility with more distant dialect areas (Sangkei village, Songlai area, etc.). Intelligibility to some extent with Sumtu Chin [csv]. Somewhat similar to Chinbon Chin [cnb]. Lexical similarity: 91%–96% with Sumtu Chin [csv], 85%–89% with Chinbon Chin [cnb], 82%–84% with Asho [csh].

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Rakhine [rki].

Language Development
Literacy classes are being taught in some communities.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chin, Laitu
Writing
Latin script, preliminary orthography developed in 2009.
Other Comments

Buddhist, Christian, traditional religion.