Lawa, Western

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A language of Thailand

ISO 639-3
lcp
Alternate Names
L’wa, Lava, Lavua, Lavüa, Mae Hong Son Lawa, Mountain Lawa, “Lua” (pej.), “Luwa” (pej.)
Autonym
ละเวือะ‎ (Lawa)
User Population

8,000 (Nahhas 2011). Ethnic population: 8,500 (Nahhas 2011).

Location

Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Waic, Lawa
Dialects

La-up, Omphai (Omphai Lawa), Northern Western Lawa. Each village has a distinct accent. Ban Kok Luang, a village of the Northern group, has the most distinct dialect.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains except government and education, which are in Thai [tha]. Used by all. Some also use S’gaw Karen [ksw], especially older adults. Also use Northern Thai [nod]. Also use Thai [tha].

Language Development

Literacy in Western Lawa more common among Christians. Literacy in Thai [tha] has become more common as education becomes more available. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2001.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lawa, Western
Writing

Thai script [Thai].

Other Comments

Orthography and literature based on Ban La-up dialect. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.