Kayaw

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
kvl
Alternate Names
“Bre” (pej.), “Brec” (pej.), “Brek” (pej.), Deleh, “Kayaw Brek” (pej.), Laku, “Paret” (pej.), Pramano, “Pre” (pej.), “Pret” (pej.)
Population

16,600 (1983 census). Very few monolinguals.

Location

East Kayah State, 30 villlages; northeast Kayin State, Yado area; south Shan State, Pekon township.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

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

Bwe-Kayaw, Prek. Some intelligibility with Bwe Karen [bwe], though some Kayaw who speak with the Bwe Karen may use S’gaw Karen [ksw] to communicate.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Roman Catholics also use Burmese [mya]; Baptists also use Burmese and S’gaw Karen [ksw].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Below 1%. Bible portions: 1990–1999.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kayaw
Writing
Latin script, used by Roman Catholics and Baptists.
Other Comments

Brek and Bwe are variant names of a dialect continuum extending from southwest Kayah State to northeast Kayin (Karen) State. Bwe-Kayaw is a mixed variety spoken in the middle of this continuum. See also Karen, Bwe [bwe]. Christian.