Riang Lai

A language of Myanmar

ISO 639: yin
Alternate Names: Ban Roi, Liang Sek, Ranei, Red Riang, Riang Saek, Riang Sak, Striped Karen, Yang, Yang Lai, Yin Kya, Yinchia, Yinja
Population: 12,000 (2008), decreasing.
Location:: Shan state: Langkho district.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened).
Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Riang
Dialects: None known. Related to Riang Lang [ril]. Traditionally, the 2 groups occupy different social and geographic space and wear different traditional clothing styles. Not related to the Riang [ria] and Kok Borok [trp]-speaking Riang people of India and Bangladesh or to Pa’o [blk], which is Sino-Tibetan.
Typology: SVO.
Language Use: Endangered. All domains. Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes. Most also use Shan [shn], particularly a southern dialect. Also use Burmese [mya].
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Riang Lai
Writing: Unwritten [Qaax].
Other Comments: Related to Riang Lang [ril]. Included in official ethnic group list as Yin Kya. Called Karen (‘yin’ and ‘yang’) by the Burmese [mya] and Shan [shn] due to their dress. Yinchia or Yin Kya means Striped (tiger) Karen in Burmese. Buddhist, traditional religion.

Location: Shan state: Langkho district.