Kuay

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A language of Thailand

ISO 639-3
kdt
Alternate Names
Cuoi, Khamen-Boran, Kui, Kui Souei, Kuoy, Kuy, Soai, Suai, Suay, Suei, Sui, Suoi
Autonym
กวย‎ (Kuay), กูย‎ (Kuuy)
User Population

400,000 in Thailand (2006 Mahidol University). Few monolinguals. Total users in all countries: 456,600.

Location

Surin, Buriram, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces: near Cambodian and Laos borders.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Kuay
Dialects

Chang (Suai Chang), Nheu, Kuay.

Language Use

Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes. Have affection for Kuay and want to keep it. All also use Lao [lao]. All also use Northeastern Thai [tts]. Most also use Thai [tha]. Some also use Northern Khmer [kxm], especially older adults.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 50%. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1992.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kuay
Writing

Khmer script [Khmr], used in Cambodia. Lao script [Laoo], used in Laos. Thai script [Thai].

Other Comments

Kuay [kdt] villages often intermingled with those of Northern Khmer [kxm] and Lao [lao]. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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