Pyen

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
pyy
Alternate Names
Biˎ suˎ, Hpinba, Hpyin, Misu, Phen, Pyin
User Population

600 (2013 Pyen Language Committee).

Location

Shan state: Mong Yang township, Namt Theun and Yaw Tan villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southern, Bisoid
Dialects

None known. Closely related to Laomian [lwm] and Bisu [bzi]; all 3 languages are largely mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: 36% with Hani [hni], 32% with Lahu [lhu], 31% with Lisu [lis].

Typology

SOV; simple syllable structure; syllables may be closed by stop or nasal; modifiers follow heads; loanwords from Shan [shn] and Lahu [lhu]; 3 contrastive tones.

Language Use

Small population but vigorous use. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Lahu [lhu]. Also use Shan [shn].

Language Development

Orthography revision planned in preparation for literacy classes. Literature. Grammar. Bible portions: 2011.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Pyen
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian.