Ethnologue

Karen, Mobwa

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Bilichi, Blimaw, Dermuha, Maleh, Mobwa Karen, Monpwa, Mopwa, Pa-Le-Chi, Palachi, Palakhi, Palaychi

Population

4,000 (2010 SIL). Also live mixed with Bwe Karen [bwe] and Paku Karen [jkp] in some villages.

Location

Kayin state: Thandaung township, western foot of Thandaung mountains, 9 villages; some in Bago region: Taungoo township.

Language Maps

Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification

Dialects

Palaychi (Southern Mobwa), Dermuha (Southern Mobwa). Reportedly similar to Paku Karen [jkp].

Language Use

Shifting to S’gaw Karen [ksw] and Burmese [mya]. Home. All ages. Positive attitudes. Many also use S’gaw Karen [ksw]. Also use Burmese [mya].

Language Resources

Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Similar to Bwe Karen [bwe] in lifestyle and culture. Christian.