Lahta

A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Kangan, Kayan Lahta, Khahta, Lahta, Lahta Karen, Peu, Taru, Tarulakhi, Yan Wohta

Population

9,550 (2000). Very few monolinguals.

Location

South Shan State, Pekon and Pinlaung townships; Mandalay Region, Pyinnmana township.

Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification

Dialects

Socially related to Kayan [pdu] but not intelligible. Zayein [kxk] may be a dialect of Lahta.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Young people also use Burmese [mya]; older generation also uses Pa’o [blk] or Kayan [pdu].

Language Resources

Writing

Unwritten.

Other Comments

Officially recognized as part of Kayan [pdu]. Much dialect variation. Called Yan Wohta by the Shan [shn]. Buddhist, traditional religion, Christian.