Marma

Primary tabs

A language of Bangladesh

ISO 639-3

rmz

Alternate Names

Arkanese-Marma, Mraima, “Mogh” (pej.)

Autonym

မရမာ‎ (Mraima)

User Population

150,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Total users in all countries: 186,700.

Location

Chittagong division: Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Rangamati districts.

Language Maps

Southeastern Bangladesh

India, Map 5

Language Status

3 (Wider communication). Largest and earliest language group to settle in the area. Used in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban districts in religious ceremonies, market, stores, and churches.

Classification

Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Burmish, Southern

Language Use

Home, village. Also use Chak [ckh], especially in Khagrachari and Rangamati districts. Also use Chittagonian [ctg]. Used as L2 by Asho Chin [csh], Bawm Chin [bgr], Chak [ckh], Khumi Chin [cnk], Mru [mro], Tippera [tpe].

Language Development

Taught in primary schools in grades 1 and 2. Bible portions: 1970.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Marma

Writing

Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr], used in India.

Other Comments

Buddhist, Christian, Muslim.