Riang Lai

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A language of Myanmar

ISO 639-3
yin
Alternate Names
Ban Roi, Liang Sek, Ranei, Red Riang, Riang Saek, Riang Sak, Striped Karen, Yang, Yang Lai, Yin Kya, Yinchia, Yinja
User Population

12,000 (2008), decreasing.

Location

Shan state: Langkho district.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Riang
Dialects

None known. Related to Riang Lang [ril]. Traditionally, the 2 groups occupy different social and geographic space and wear different traditional clothing styles. Not related to the Riang [ria] and Kok Borok [trp]-speaking Riang people of India and Bangladesh or to Pa’o [blk], which is Sino-Tibetan.

Typology

SVO.

Language Use

Endangered. All domains. Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes. Most also use Shan [shn], particularly a southern dialect. Also use Burmese [mya].

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Riang Lai
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Related to Riang Lang [ril]. Included in official ethnic group list as Yin Kya. Called Karen (‘yin’ and ‘yang’) by the Burmese [mya] and Shan [shn] due to their dress. Yinchia or Yin Kya means Striped (tiger) Karen in Burmese. Buddhist, traditional religion.