The Karen languages are tonal languages spoken by the Karen people and are classified as part of the Tibeto-Burman group of the Sino-Tibetan language family.[1] It is written using the Burmese script.[2] The three main branches are Sgaw, Pwo, and Pa'o; they are not considered to be mutually intelligible[3]. Karenni (also known Kayah or Red Karen) and Kayan (also known as Padaung) are related to the Sgaw branch. They are almost unique among the Tibeto-Burman languages in having a Subject Verb Object word order; other than Karen and Bai, Tibeto-Burman languages feature a Subject Object Verb order [4]. This is likely due to influence from neighboring Mon and Tai languages[5]. The languages are also considered unusual for not having any Chinese influence.[6]
See also
References
External links
- Kawthoolei, meaning ‘a land without evil’, is the Karen name of the land of Karen people. An independent and impartial media outlet aimed to provide contemporary information of all kinds — social, cultural, educational and political
- Karenpeople.org, a non-profit web portal on the Karen peoples
- Karen.org, The website of the Karen National League of Bakersfield, California
- Drum Publication Group, Sgaw Karen language materials available free online. Includes an online English - Sgaw Karen Dictionary.
- http://www.kwekalu.net, The first and only Karen language news outlet online based in Mergui/Tavoy District of Kawthoolei
