Chin, Asho

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
csh
Alternate Names
Asho, Ashu, Hyow, Khamaw, Khamoe, Khyang, Kyang, Qin, Saingbaung, Sho, Shoa
Autonym
Asho Chin
User Population

170,000 in Myanmar (2015 LSDO). Total users in all countries: 174,000.

Location

Ayeyarwady, Bago region, and Magway regions; Rakhine state. Rakhine state; Magwe region: Mindon township (Hill Asho dialect); Magway region, Bago region, and Ayeyarwady region: most of the townships; Rakhine state: Tounggup township and townships further south (Plains Asho dialect).

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin, Peripheral, Southern, Cho-Asho, Asho
Dialects

Hill Asho, Plains Asho. Hyow (Khyang) variety in Bangladesh is more similar to Laitu [clt] than Asho [csh] and is likely a separate language.

Typology

SOV; negation is marked after the verb.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Burmese [mya].

Language Development

Grammar. Bible: 2008.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chin, Asho
Writing

Latin script [Latn]. Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr], primary usage.

Other Comments

Although some consider the Uppu [cnb], Laitu [clt], Sumtu [csv], Songlai [csj], and Mro-Khimi [cmr] to be part of Asho [csh], these groups speak different languages from Asho (and each other) and view themselves as separate from Asho. Buddhist, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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