Karen, S’gaw

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
ksw
Alternate Names
Burmese Karen, Kanyaw, Kyetho, Paganyaw, Pchcknya, Pwakanyaw, S’gau, S’gaw, S’gaw Kayin, White Karen, Yang Khao
Population

1,280,000 in Myanmar (1983 census). Very few monolinguals. Population total all countries: 1,480,000.

Location

Ayeyarwaddy delta area, Tanintharyi Division, the Pegu range between Irrawaddy and Sittang rivers; Kayin State east hills; Mon State. Delta dialect: Ayeyarwaddy delta area, Yangon, up to Mandalay; scattered in Kachin State, Shan State; Eastern dialect: south Kayin and Mon states, and Mawlamyine; Southern dialect: Tanintharyi Division. Also in Thailand.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

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

Delta dialect of S’gaw Karen, Eastern dialect of S’gaw Karen (Pa’an), Southern dialect of Western Kayah (Dawei). Similar to Paku Karen [jkp].

Typology

SVO

Language Use

Most communities vigiorous; some shift toward Burmese [mya]. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Burmese [mya].

Language Development
Some literacy classes. Magazines. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1853–1995.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Karen, S’gaw
Writing
Latin script, no longer in use. Myanmar (Burmese) script.
Other Comments

Buddhist, traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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