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

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

Location

Scattered. Ayeyarwady delta area, Ayeyarwady, Bago, Kayin, and Rangon regions; generally along with Pwo Karen 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. Magazines. Dictionary. Grammar. 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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