Palaung, Rumai

A language of Myanmar

Humai, Ngwe Palaung, Rumai, Rumai Humai, Shan Rumai, Silver Palaung, Ta’ang, Ta’ang Rumai, Tai Rumai

158,000 in Myanmar (Leclerc 2017d). Total users in all countries: 162,100.

Kachin state: Bhamo district, Mansi township; Shan state: Lashio area, north to the border in Mantong, Muse, Nam Kham, north Hsenwi, and Tawngpeng (the ancient Palaung state).

Language Maps

Southwestern China

Eastern Central Myanmar

Northern Myanmar

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification

Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Palaung

Dialects

Nam Kham Rumai is a different dialect from Lashio Rumai but comprehension is still good.

Typology

SVO.

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, village, market. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Burmese [mya]. Also use Jingpho [kac]. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Also use Nepali [npi]. Also use Ruching Palaung [pce]. Also use Shan [shn]. Used as L2 by Parauk Wa [prk].

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Palaung, Rumai

Writing

Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr].

Other Comments

Buddhist, traditional religion.