Karen, Geba

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
kvq
Alternate Names
Daneh, Geba, Kaba, Karenbyu, Kayinbyu, Kono, Koo-ong, Northern Bwe
Population

40,000 (2010 Geba Literature and Culture Committee). Very few monolinguals. Ethnic population: 10,000 (2000 D. Bradley).

Location

North Kayin State, Thandaunggyi township, 140 villages; Bago Division; Mandalay Division, Pyinmana township; Shan State, Pekon and Pinlong townships; Kayah State.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

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

Gerkho-Geba, Sawkho, Thamitaik (Sawkeepho). May be same subgroup with Bwe Karen [bwe] and Kayaw [kvl]. Some comprehension of Bwe Karen [bwe]. Sawkho and Gerkho-Geba varieties slightly divergent. Lexical similarity: 82%–100% with Bwe Karen [bwe].

Language Use

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

Language Development
Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1870–2001.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Karen, Geba
Writing
Latin script, used since 1870, used by Roman Catholics. Myanmar (Burmese) script, used since 2002, used by Anglicans and Baptists.
Other Comments

Geko Karen [ghk] and Geba Karen are grouped together in the local Baptist Association administration and are often considered to be the same language (Geko-Geba), although they are distinct. Christian.