Page Type: languageChin, Asho | Ethnologue

CSH ISO 639-3

Chin, Asho

Asho Chin Autonym

A language of Myanmar

ISO 639
csh
Alternate Names
Asho, Ashu, Hyow, Khamaw, Khamoe, Khyang, Kyang, Qin, Saingbaung, Sho, Shoa
Autonym
Asho Chin
Population
170,000 in Myanmar (2015 LSDO). Total users in all countries: 174,000.
Location:
Ayeyarwady, Bago region, and Magway regions; Rakhine state. Rakhine state; Magwe region: Mindon township (Hill Asho dialect); Magway region, Bago region, and Ayeyarwady region: most of the townships; Rakhine state: Tounggup township and townships further south (Plains Asho dialect).
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin, Peripheral, Southern, Cho-Asho, Asho
Dialects
Hill Asho, Plains Asho. Hyow (Khyang) variety in Bangladesh is more similar to Laitu [clt] than Asho [csh] and is likely a separate language.
Typology
SOV; negation is marked after the verb.
Language Use
Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Burmese [mya].
Language Development
Grammar. Bible: 2008.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Chin, Asho
Writing
Latin script [Latn]. Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr], primary usage.
Other Comments
Although some consider the Uppu [cnb], Laitu [clt], Sumtu [csv], Songlai [csj], and Mro-Khimi [cmr] to be part of Asho [csh], these groups speak different languages from Asho (and each other) and view themselves as separate from Asho. Buddhist, Christian.

Also Spoken in

Language Name
Chin, Asho
User Population
4,000 in Bangladesh (2011).
Location
Chittagong division: Bandarban, Chittagong, and Rangamati districts. plains area (Laitu); hill area (Kongtu).
Dialects
Laitu, Kongtu, Khyang.
Language Status
6a (Vigorous)
Other Comments
Non-indigenous.
View other languages of Bangladesh

Map

Location: Ayeyarwady, Bago region, and Magway regions; Rakhine state. Rakhine state; Magwe region: Mindon township (Hill Asho dialect); Magway region, Bago region, and Ayeyarwady region: most of the townships; Rakhine state: Tounggup township and townships further south (Plains Asho dialect).