Kayaw

Print

Primary tabs

A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
kvl
Alternate Names
Deleh, Ka-yaw, Laku, Pramano, “Bre” (pej.), “Brec” (pej.), “Brek” (pej.), “Kayaw Brek” (pej.), “Paret” (pej.), “Pre” (pej.), “Pret” (pej.)
Autonym
Kayaw
Population

16,600 (1983 census).

Location

Kayah state: 30 villages east; Kayin state: Yado area; Shan state: Pekon township.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

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

Bwe-Kayaw, Upper Kayaw, Lower Kayaw. Upper Kayaw dialect is the basis for Kayaw literature. Some intelligibility with Bwe Karen [bwe], though some Kayaw who speak with the Bwe Karen may use S’gaw Karen [ksw] to communicate.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Some also use S’gaw Karen [ksw]. Also use Burmese [mya].

Language Development
Bible portions: 1990–1999. Agency: Kayaw Literature and Culture Committee.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kayaw
Writing

Latin script [Latn], used by Roman Catholics and Baptists.

Other Comments

Brek and Bwe are variant names of a dialect continuum extending from southwest Kayah State to northeast Kayin (Karen) State. Bwe-Kayaw is a mixed variety spoken in the middle of this continuum. See also Karen, Bwe [bwe]. Christian.

Page Views Left: