Kayah, Western
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A language of Myanmar
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Karenni, Karennyi, Karieng Daeng, Kayah, Kayah Li, Red Karen, Yang Daeng
Population
150,000 (2007). 2,000 refugees in Thailand.
Location
Kayah state and Kayin state: east of Thanlwin river; Shan state: Pekon township south. Shan state: north of Loikaw (northern dialect); Dimawso and Hpruso townships south of Loikaw (southern dialect).
Language Maps
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Classification
Dialects
Northern dialect of Western Kayah, Southern dialect of Western Kayah, Dawtama, Dawnnyjekhu, Sounglog, Chi Kwe, Wan Cheh. Part of a dialect continuum of Central Karen varieties stretching from Thailand (Eastern Kayah [eky]) to western Kayah state.
Language Use
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 10%. Literacy classes in some communities. Dictionary. NT: 2010–2014. Agency: Kayah Literature and Culture Committee.
Language Resources
Buddhist, Christian, traditional religion.