Lawa, Western

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A language of Thailand

ISO 639-3
lcp
Alternate Names
Lava, Lavüa, “Lua” (pej.), Luwa, L’wa, Mae Hong Son Lawa, Mountain Lawa, Omphai Lawa
Population

8,000 (2007 R. Nahhas). Ethnic population: 8,500.

Location

Chiangmai and Mae Hong Son provinces.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Waic, Lawa
Dialects

La-up, Northern Western Lawa, Omphai. Each village has a distinct accent. Ban Kok Luang, a village of the Northern group, has the most distinct dialect.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains except government and education, which are in Central Thai [tha]. All ages. Many also use Northern [nod] or Central Thai [tha]. Some older adults also use Sgaw Karen [ksw].

Language Development
Literacy in Mae Hong Son Lawa more common among Christians. Literacy in Central Thai has become more common as education becomes more available. Poetry. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2001.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lawa, Western
Writing
Thai script.
Other Comments

Orthography and literature based on Ban La-up dialect. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.