Karen, S’gaw

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
ksw
Alternate Names
Burmese Karen, Kanyaw, Kayinpyu, Kyetho, Paganyaw, Pchcknya, Pwakanyaw, S’gau, S’gaw, S’gaw Kayin, White Karen, Yang Khao
Population

1,360,000 in Myanmar, all users. 1,280,000 (1983 census). 80,000 (2013 SIL). Total users in all countries: 1,560,000 (as L1: 1,480,000; as L2: 80,000).

Location

Ayeyarwady, Bago, and Yangon regions and Kayin state; scattered in Ayeyarwady delta area, generally among Western Pwo Karen [pwo] speakers.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication). S’gaw Karen used in the church domain for many Karen languages.

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karenic, Southern
Dialects

Eastern dialect of S’gaw Karen (Pa’an), Southern dialect of Western Kayah (Dawei), Delta dialect of S’gaw Karen. Reportedly similar to Paku Karen [jkp].

Typology

SVO.

Language Use

Most communities vigorous; some shift toward Burmese [mya]. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Burmese [mya], Pwo Eastern Karen [kjp], Pwo Western Karen [pwo]. Used as L2 by Bwe Karen [bwe], Eastern Kayah [eky], Geba Karen [kvq], Geko Karen [ghk], Kawyaw [kxf], Kayan [pdu], Kayaw [kvl], Mobwa Karen [jkm], Paku Karen [jkp], Western Kayah [kyu], Yintale [kvy].

Language Development
Some literacy classes. Literature. Periodicals. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 1853–1995.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Karen, S’gaw
Writing

Latin script [Latn], no longer in use. Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr].

Other Comments

Buddhist, Christian, traditional religion.

Also spoken in:

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