Tai Laing

A language of Myanmar

ISO 639: tjl
Alternate Names: Red Tai, Shan Bamar, Shan Kalee, Shan Ni, Tai Laeng, Tai Lai, Tai Lang, Tai Nai, Tai Naing
Population: 100,000 (2010 SIL).
Location:: Sagaing region: Homalin township, along Chindwin, Irrawaddy, and Uru rivers; Kachin state: Bamaw to Myitkyina townships.
Language Status: 6b* (Threatened).
Classification: Kra-Dai, Kam-Tai, Tai, Southwestern
Dialects: Tai Lai, Tai Nai. 2 subgroups: Those who live along the railway line between Myitkyina and Mandalay and call themselves Tai Nai; Those who live along the river south of Myitkyina who call themselves Tai Lai. However, apart from the sound shift l to n among the first group, there do not seem to be any major differences in language between these 2 subgroups. Reportedly similar to Khamti [kht].
Language Use: Also use Burmese [mya], with some shifting is some areas. Used as L2 by Taman [tcl].
Language Development: Agency: Tai Laing Cultural and Literature Committee.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Tai Laing
Writing: Myanmar (Burmese) script [Mymr], historical usage with some recent revival of the script.
Other Comments: The name Tai Laing means Red Tai. Buddhist.

Location: Sagaing region: Homalin township, along Chindwin, Irrawaddy, and Uru rivers; Kachin state: Bamaw to Myitkyina townships.