Lawa, Western | Ethnologue

A language of Thailand

ISO 639: lcp
Alternate Names: L’wa, Lava, Lavua, Lavüa, Mae Hong Son Lawa, Mountain Lawa, “Lua” (pej.), “Luwa” (pej.)
Autonym: ละเวือะ‎ (Lawa)
Population: 8,000 (Nahhas 2011). Ethnic population: 8,500 (Nahhas 2011).
Location:: Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Waic, Lawa
Dialects: La-up, Omphai (Omphai Lawa), Northern Western Lawa. Each village has a distinct accent. Ban Kok Luang, a village of the Northern group, has the most distinct dialect.
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains except government and education, which are in Thai [tha]. Used by all. Some also use S’gaw Karen [ksw], especially older adults. Also use Northern Thai [nod]. Also use Thai [tha].
Language Development: Literacy in Western Lawa more common among Christians. Literacy in Thai [tha] has become more common as education becomes more available. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2001.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Lawa, Western
Writing: Thai script [Thai].
Other Comments: Orthography and literature based on Ban La-up dialect. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.

Location: Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces.