Karen, Phrae Pwo

A language of Thailand

ISO 639: kjt
Alternate Names: Northeastern Pwo Karen, Phrae, Prae, Pwo Phrae
Population: 6,000 (Dawkins and Phillips 2009a). Total Karen: 441,000 (2010 census).
Location:: Phrae, Lampang, and Chiang Rai provinces.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous).
Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karenic, Peripheral
Dialects: None known. Not intelligible with other Pwo Karen languages. Lexical similarity: 87% with Northern Pwo Karen [pww] of Thailand, 67%–71% with other Pwo Karen varieties.
Language Use: Used by all. Most also use Northern Thai [nod]. Bilingualism in Northern Thai is widespread and some are highly bilingual (Dawkins and Phillips 2009a). Many also use Thai [tha] (Dawkins and Phillips 2009a). Also use S’gaw Karen [ksw].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 50%–75%.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Karen, Phrae Pwo
Writing: Thai script [Thai].
Other Comments: Buddhist, traditional religion.

Location: Phrae, Lampang, and Chiang Rai provinces.