Akha

A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Ahka, Aini, Ak’a, Aka, Ikor, Yani, “Ekaw” (pej.), “Ikaw” (pej.), “Kaw” (pej.), “Kha Ko” (pej.), “Khako” (pej.), “Khao Kha Ko” (pej.), “Ko” (pej.)

Autonym

A˯ka˯daw˯‎ (Avkavdawv)

Population

200,000 (Bradley 2007a). Total users in all countries: 610,860.

Location

Shan state: east Kengtung district.

Language Maps

Northwestern Viet Nam

Language Status

3 (Wider communication).

Classification

Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southern

Dialects

Much dialectal variation; some do not understand each other.

Typology

SOV; 5 tones.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Literacy classes in some communities. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2002.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Akha

Writing

Latin script [Latn], used at least since 1950, used in China, Myanmar, and Thailand. Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr], used in Myanmar. Thai script [Thai], used in Thailand.

Also spoken in:

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China

Language nameAkha

Population Full

240,000 (Bradley 2007b), increasing. Ethnic population: 240,000 (Bradley 2007b).

Location

Yunnan province: Simao and Xishuangbanna prefectures.

Alternate Names

Ahka, Aini, Ak’a, Aka, Ikor, Yani, “Ekaw” (pej.), “Ikaw” (pej.), “Kaw” (pej.), “Kha Ko” (pej.), “Khako” (pej.), “Khao Kha Ko” (pej.), “Ko” (pej.)

Status

5 (Dispersed). Language of recognized nationality: Hani.

Language Use

All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Used as L2 by Akeu [aeu].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 5%. Literacy rate in L2: 70% in any language (2000 census, Hani nationality); but functional literacy is low in Mandarin [cmn]. Orthographies in fairly wide use, but not in public schools (Bradley 2007b). Taught in primary schools.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

View other languages of China

Laos

Language nameAkha

Population Full

113,000 (2015 census).

Location

Phongsali and Luang Namtha provinces.

Alternate Names

Ahka, Aini, Ak’a, Aka, Ikor, Yani, “Ekaw” (pej.), “Hka Ko” (pej.), “Ikaw” (pej.), “Kaw” (pej.), “Khako” (pej.), “Khao Kha Ko” (pej.), “Ko” (pej.)

Status

5 (Dispersed).

Language Use

Used as L2 by Chepya [ycp], Phana’ [phq].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

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Thailand

Language nameAkha

Population Full

56,600 (Bradley 2007a).

Location

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son provinces. 250 villages.

Alternate Names

Ahka, Aini, Ak’a, Aka, Ikor, Yani, “Ekaw” (pej.), “Ikaw” (pej.), “Kaw” (pej.), “Kha Ko” (pej.), “Khako” (pej.), “Khao Kha Ko” (pej.), “Ko” (pej.)

Status

5 (Dispersed).

Language Use

Also use Thai [tha].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 1%–5%. Literacy rate in L2: 1%–50%.

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.

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Viet Nam

Language nameAkha

Population Full

1,260 (1995 ISEAS). Ethnic population: Hà Nhì ethnic group 21,725 (2009 census).

Location

Dien Bien, Lao Cai, and Lai Chau provinces.

Alternate Names

Ahka, Aini, Ak’a, Aka, Khao Ikor, Yani, “Ekaw” (pej.), “Ikaw” (pej.), “Kaw” (pej.), “Kha Ko” (pej.), “Khako” (pej.), “Ko” (pej.)

Status

6b (Threatened). Language of recognized ethnic group: Ha Nhi.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous. Traditional religion, Christian.

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Ethnologue

Primary tabs

A language of Myanmar

Also spoken in:

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