Thai, Northern

A language of Thailand

Kam Mu’ang, Kammyang, Kammüang, Khon, Khon Mueang, Khon Myang, Khonmuang, La Nya, Lan Na, Lanatai, Lanna, Mu’ang, Mueang, Mung, Myang, Payap, Phayap, Phyap, Tai Nya, Western Laotian, “Tai Yon” (pej.), “Tai Yuan” (pej.), “Yuan” (pej.)

Autonym

คำเมือง‎ (Kam Mueang)

User Population

6,000,000 in Thailand (1983 SIL). Total users in all countries: 6,029,500.

Location

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, Uttaradit provinces.

Language Maps

Laos

Northern Thailand

Language Status

3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in northern provinces. Northern Thai is used as a language of wider communication among many of the tribal groups in Northern Thailand (Herington et al 2013).

Classification

Kra-Dai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern

Dialects

Nan, Bandu, Tai Wang. Nan dialect is more distinct.

Typology

20 consonants, 21 vowels.

Language Use

Most use Northern Thai in the home. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Some also use Thai [tha]. Used as L2 by Akha [ahk], Bisu [bzi], Eastern Lawa [lwl], Hakka Chinese [hak], Iu Mien [ium], Lü [khb], Mlabri [mra], Mpi [mpz], Phrae Pwo Karen [kjt], Prai [prt], Tai Ya [cuu], Western Lawa [lcp], Yong [yno].