Kayaw

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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
User Population

20,100 (Leclerc 2017d).

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. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Some also use S’gaw Karen [ksw]. Also use Burmese [mya].

Language Development

Dictionary. Bible portions: 1990–2018. 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.