Page Type: languageAkha | Ethnologue

AHK ISO 639-3

Akha

A˯ka˯daw˯‎ (Avkavdawv) Autonym

A language of China

ISO 639
ahk
Alternate Names
Ahka, Aini, Ak’a, Aka, Ikor, Yani, “Ekaw” (pej.), “Ikaw” (pej.), “Kaw” (pej.), “Kha Ko” (pej.), “Khako” (pej.), “Khao Kha Ko” (pej.), “Ko” (pej.)
Autonym
A˯ka˯daw˯‎ (Avkavdawv)
Population
240,000 in China (Bradley 2007b), increasing. Ethnic population: 240,000 (Bradley 2007b). Total users in all countries: 616,600.
Location:
Yunnan province: Simao and Xishuangbanna prefectures.
Language Status
5 (Developing). Language of recognized nationality: Hani.
Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Ngwi, Southern
Dialects
None known. Most closely related to Hani [hni].
Typology
SOV; noun head initial; classifiers; isolating language; 32 consonants and 11 vowels; tonal (3 tones); phonation types (lax and tense).
Language Use
All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn]. Used as L2 by Akeu [aeu].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 5%. Literacy rate in L2: 70% in any language (2000 census, Hani nationality); but functional literacy is low in Mandarin [cmn]. Orthographies in fairly wide use, but not in public schools (Bradley 2007b). Taught in primary schools. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2002.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Akha
Writing
Latin script [Latn], used at least since 1950, used in China, Myanmar, and Thailand. Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr], used in Myanmar. Thai script [Thai], used in Thailand.
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Akha
User Population
113,000 in Laos (2015 census). , based on ethnicity.
Location
Phongsali and Luang Namtha provinces.
Language Status
5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Christian.
View other languages of Laos
Language Name
Akha
User Population
200,000 in Myanmar (Bradley 2007a).
Location
Shan state: east Kengtung district.
Dialects
Much dialectal variation; some do not understand each other. Most similar to Hani [hni].
Language Status
3 (Wider communication)
View other languages of Myanmar
Language Name
Akha
User Population
56,600 in Thailand (Bradley 2007a).
Location
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son provinces. 250 villages.
Language Status
5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments
Traditional religion, Christian.
View other languages of Thailand
Language Name
Akha
User Population
7,000 in Viet Nam (Hansson 2003). Ethnic population: Hà Nhì ethnic group 21,725 (2009 census).
Location
Dien Bien, Lao Cai, and Lai Chau provinces.
Language Status
6b (Threatened)
Other Comments
Non-indigenous. Traditional religion, Christian.
View other languages of Vietnam

Map

Location: Yunnan province: Simao and Xishuangbanna prefectures.