Page Type: languageKaren, Geba | Ethnologue

KVQ ISO 639-3

Karen, Geba

A language of Myanmar

ISO 639
kvq
Alternate Names
Daneh, Geba, Kaba, Karenbyu, Kayinbyu, Kayinpyu, Kebar, Kono, Koo-ong, Northern Bwe, White Karen
Population
40,000 (2010 Geba Literature and Culture Committee).
Location:
Bago region; Mandalay region: Pyinmana township; Kayah state; Kayin state: Thandaunggyi township, 140 villages; Shan state: Pekon and Pinlong townships.
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Classification
Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karenic, Central
Dialects
Sawkho, Gerkho-Geba, Thamitaik (Sawkeepho). May be same subgroup with Bwe Karen [bwe] and Kayaw [kvl]. Some comprehension of Bwe Karen [bwe]. Sawkho and Gerkho-Geba varieties slightly divergent. Lexical similarity: 82%–100% with Bwe Karen [bwe].
Language Use
Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Some also use S’gaw Karen [ksw], especially among Baptists and Anglicans. Also use Burmese [mya], especially among Catholics, Baptists, and Anglicans.
Language Development
Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1870–2013. Agency: Geba Literature and Culture Committee.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Karen, Geba
Writing
Latin script [Latn], used since 1870, used by Roman Catholics. Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr], used since 2002, used by Anglicans and Baptists.
Other Comments
Geko Karen [ghk] and Geba Karen are grouped together in the local Baptist Association administration and are often considered to be the same language (Geko-Geba), although they are distinct. Christian.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Bago region; Mandalay region: Pyinmana township; Kayah state; Kayin state: Thandaunggyi township, 140 villages; Shan state: Pekon and Pinlong townships.