Thai, Northern

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A language of Thailand

ISO 639-3
nod
Alternate Names
Kam Mu’ang, Kammüang, Kammyang, Khon, Khon Meang, Khon Myang, La Nya, Lan Na, Lanatai, Lanna, Mu’ang, Mung, Myang, Northern Thai, Payap, Phayap, Phyap, Tai Nya, Tai Yon, Tai Yuan, Western Laotian, “Yuan”
Population

6,000,000 in Thailand (1983 SIL). Population total all countries: 6,029,440.

Location

Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Lamphun, Lampang, Maehongson, Hot, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Uttaradit, and Tak provinces. Also in Laos.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in northern provinces.

Classification
Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern
Dialects

Bandu, Nan, Tai Wang. Nan dialect is more distinct.

Language Use

88% use Northern Thai in the home, 3% use Central Thai [tha], 10% use both. Also use some Central Thai [tha].

Language Development
Newspapers. NT: 1914.
Writing
Tai Tham (Lanna) script, limited usage. Thai script.
Other Comments

Yuan is their term for Vietnamese. The name ‘Phyap’ (Phayap) is Sanskrit, north. Buddhist.

Also spoken in:

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