Moken

A language of Myanmar

ISO 639: mwt
Alternate Names: Basing, Chau Ko’, Lawta, Mawken, Orang Laut, Salon, Salong, Selong, Selung
Population: 4,000 in Myanmar (Bradley 2007a). Total users in all countries: 6,000.
Location:: Tanintharyi region: widespread in Mergui archipelago islands.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Moklen
Dialects: Dung, Jait (Ja-It), Lebi (L’be), Niawi. Reportedly most similar to Moklen [mkm].
Typology: SVO; noun head initial; classifier; 22 consonants and 25 vowels (long and short vowels, tense and lax back vowels); tonal; stress on the final syllable; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.
Language Use: Some young people, all adults. Also use Burmese [mya]. Also use Thai [tha].
Language Development: Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 2000.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Moken
Writing: Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr]. Thai script [Thai].
Other Comments: Primarily live on boats, but occasionally settle on area islands. Traditional religion, Christian.

Thailand

Location: Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket (southernmost tip), and Krabi provinces: southwest coast, offshore islands, Andaman Sea and Straits of Malacca.
Dialects: Kòʔ Surin (Northern Jadiak), Rawai (Southern Jadiak). Reportedly most similar to Moklen [mkm].
Language Status: 6b (Threatened)
Other Comments: Primarily live on boats, but occasionally settle on area islands. Traditional religion, Muslim.

Location: Tanintharyi region: widespread in Mergui archipelago islands.