Khün

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
kkh
Alternate Names
Gon Shan, Hkun, Khuen, Khun Shan, Khyn, Tai Khun, Tai-Khuen
Population

100,000 in Myanmar (Diller and Juntanamalaga 1990). Very few monolinguals. Population total all countries: 106,880.

Location

East Shan State, Kentung valley area. Also in Laos, Thailand.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern
Dialects

Kang Muang, Muang Lang. Similar to Lü [khb] and Northern Thai [nod]. These 3 languages traditionally use the same ancient script. Lexical similarity: 93%–100% with Khün varieties; Khün varieties: 90%–95% with Northern Thai [nod] , 92%–95% with Lü [khb] , 93%–97% with Shan [shn] , 80%–83% with standard Thai [tha].

Language Use

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

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 95% among males; 50% among females. Promoted through monastery education. Bible portions: 1938.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Khün
Writing
Tai Tham (Lanna) script.
Other Comments

Different from Khuen [khf], a Mon-Khmer language of Laos. Buddhist.

Also spoken in:

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