Kayaw | Ethnologue

A language of Myanmar

ISO 639: kvl
Alternate Names: Deleh, Ka-yaw, Laku, Pramano, “Bre” (pej.), “Brec” (pej.), “Brek” (pej.), “Kayaw Brek” (pej.), “Paret” (pej.), “Pre” (pej.), “Pret” (pej.)
Autonym: Kayaw
Population: 20,100 (Leclerc 2017d).
Location:: Kayah state: 30 villages east; Kayin state: Yado area; Shan state: Pekon township.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karenic, Central
Dialects: Bwe-Kayaw, Upper Kayaw, Lower Kayaw. Upper Kayaw dialect is the basis for Kayaw literature. Some intelligibility with Bwe Karen [bwe], though some Kayaw who speak with the Bwe Karen may use S’gaw Karen [ksw] to communicate.
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Some also use S’gaw Karen [ksw]. Also use Burmese [mya].
Language Development: Dictionary. Bible portions: 1990–2018. Agency: Kayaw Literature and Culture Committee.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Kayaw
Writing: Latin script [Latn], used by Roman Catholics and Baptists.
Other Comments: Brek and Bwe are variant names of a dialect continuum extending from southwest Kayah state to northeast Kayin (Karen) state. Bwe-Kayaw is a mixed variety spoken in the middle of this continuum. See also Karen, Bwe [bwe]. Christian.

Location: Kayah state: 30 villages east; Kayin state: Yado area; Shan state: Pekon township.