59,605,000 (1995). 45,815,000 or 93.5% Daic languages, 1,037,650 or 2% Austro-Asiatic languages, 1,009,500 or 2% Austronesian languages, 533,500 or 1% Tibeto-Burman languages, 100,000 or .2% Miao-Yao languages (1991 J. Matisoff). Kingdom of Thailand, Muang Thai or Prathet Thai. Literacy rate 89%. Also includes Burmese, Western Cham 4,000, Japanese, Sinhala, Tamil, Vietnamese. Information mainly from SIL, Wurm and Hattori 1981. Data accuracy estimate: A2, B. Also includes Burmese, 4,000 Western Cham, Japanese, Sinhala, Tamil, Vietnamese. Buddhist, Muslim, Chinese traditional religion, Christian, tribal traditional religion. Blind population 210,000 (1982 WCE). Deaf institutions: 22. The number of languages listed for Thailand is 76.
AKHA (KAW, EKAW, KO, AKA, IKAW, AK'A, AHKA, KHAKO, KHA KO, KHAO KHA KO, IKOR, AINI, YANI) [AKA] 25,000 in Thailand (1986); 130,000 in China (1990); 200,000 in Myanmar (1991 UBS); 5,000 in Laos; 360,000 or more in all countries. Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Maehongson provinces. Also in Viet Nam. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmese-Lolo, Lolo, Southern, Hani, Ha-Ya. Typology: SOV. Traditional religion, Christian. NT 1968-1987. Bible portions 1939-1991.
BISU (MBISU, MIBISU) [BII] 1,000 or fewer in Thailand (1987 E. Purnell); 6,000 in China (1991 Li Yongsui). Southwest Chiangrai, North Lampang. Two main villages, the largest with 100 houses. Also in Myanmar. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmese-Lolo, Lolo, Southern, Phunoi. Vigorous language use by all ages. Closely related to Mpi, Pyen, and Phunoi. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
BLANG (SEN CHUN, HKAWA, KAWA, K'WA, K'ALA, BULANG, PULANG, PULA, PLANG, WA, KHON DOI, KONTOI) [BLR] 1,200 in Thailand (1991 SIL); 24,000 speakers out of an ethnic group of 82,280 in China (1990 census); 1,000 to 2,000 in Myanmar (1991); 27,000 in all countries. Chiangrai; 1,000 live outside Mae Sai near the northern border. About 200 live west of Bangkok and work in gardens. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Waic, Bulang. Close to Wa. An official nationality in China. The Thailand group came from Sipsongpanna, Yunnan, China, stayed in Myanmar for a while, and have been in Thailand since 1974. There are 6 to 10 dialects represented in one refugee village in Thailand. In Thailand they call themselves 'Khon Doi', 'mountain folk'. Samtao is a different language, probably Angku. 25% to 50% literate. Horticulturalists. Hinayana Buddhist, some Christian. Work in progress.
BRU, WESTERN (BRUU, B'RU, BARU) [BRV] 20,000 or more (1991); several families in USA. Ubon, 2 villages on Maekhong River; Sakorn Nakorn. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, So-Bru. It is partially intelligible with Eastern Bru of Viet Nam. 80% literate. Work in progress.
CHAM, WESTERN (CAMBODIAN CHAM, TJAM, CHAM, NEW CHAM) [CJA] 4,000 in Thailand; 195,000 in Cambodia (1988 govt. figure); 10,000 in Malaysia; 3,000 or more in USA; 1,000 in France; 100 in Saudi Arabia; 213,000 in all countries, or more. Ban Khrue, Bangkok, and possibly in refugee camps. Several thousand are in Viet Nam. Also in Yemen, Libya, Indonesia, Australia. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Sundic, Malayic, Achinese-Chamic, Chamic, South, Coastal, Cham-Chru. The language differs somewhat from Eastern Cham of central Viet Nam. They have an old Devanagari-based script. Roman script is under discussion in USA and elsewhere. Austro-Asiatic influences. There are conflicting reports about whether the people in Thailand still speak Cham or have shifted to Central Thai. Recognized fairly recently as Cham. They are thought to be remnants of Cham who fought in the Thai army about 200 years ago. Muslim. Work in progress.
CHINESE, HAKKA (HAKKA) [HAK] 58,800 in Thailand, 1% of Chinese-speaking Chinese in Thailand (1984 estimate); 34,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). 12.1% of the population are ethnic Chinese, of whom 80% are Thai-speaking. Cities. Sino-Tibetan, Chinese. Business class. Bible 1916. NT 1883-1993. Bible portions 1860-1995.
CHINESE, MANDARIN [CHN] 5,880 in Thailand, .1% of the Chinese population in Thailand (1984 estimate); 885,000,000 in all countries. Bangkok, provincial towns, and Kra Peninsula in the south. Mainly in China. Sino-Tibetan, Chinese. Dialect: HO (HAW, CIN HAW, YUNNANESE, WESTERN MANDARIN, HUI, HUI-TZE, HWEI, PANGHSE, PANTHA, PANTHE, PATHEE). Chinese folk religion; Hui: Muslim. Bible 1874-1983. NT 1857-1981. Bible portions 1864-1986.
CHINESE, MIN DONG (EASTERN MIN) [CDO] Also in China. Sino-Tibetan, Chinese. Dialect: FUZHOU (FUCHOW, FOOCHOW). Bible 1884-1905. NT 1856. Bible portions 1852.
CHINESE, MIN NAN (MIN NAN, MINNAN) [CFR] 1,081,920 in Thailand or 18.4% of Chinese-speaking population in Thailand, including 1,058,400 Chaochow (18%), 17,640 Fujian (.3%), 5,880 Hainanese (.1%) (1984 estimate); 49,000,000 in all countries (1991 WA). Cities. Sino-Tibetan, Chinese. Dialects: CHAOZHOU (CHAOCHOW, TIUCHIU, TEOCHOW, TECHU), SHANTOU (SWATOW), HAINAN, FUJIAN (FUKIEN, HOKKIEN). Most Min Nan speakers in Thailand speak Chaochow. Business, industrialists, clerks, sales, service, agriculturalists, professionals. Buddhist, Chinese folk religion, secular, Christian. Bible 1933. NT 1896-1974. Bible portions 1875-1916.
CHINESE, YUE (CANTONESE, YUE, YUEH) [YUH] 29,400 in Thailand, .5% of Chinese-speaking Chinese in Thailand (1984 estimate); 66,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). Sino-Tibetan, Chinese. Bible 1894-1981. NT 1877, in press (1996). Bible portions 1862-1903.
CHONG (SHONG, XONG, CHAWNG) [COG] 500 possibly in Thailand; 5,000 possibly in Cambodia (1981 SIL); 8,000 in all countries (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Chantaburi, four villages, Trat Province, northwest of Par. Also scattered across Cambodia. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Pearic, Western, Chong. Closely related to Somray of Cambodia.
HMONG DAW (WHITE MEO, WHITE MIAO, MEO KAO, WHITE LUM, PEH MIAO, PE MIAO, CHUAN MIAO, BAI MIAO) [MWW] 25,000 to 30,000 in Thailand (1984 OMF); 60,000 in China (1987); 70,000 in USA (1987 UBS); 10,000 in France; 165,000 or more in all countries. Petchabun, Tak, Maehongson, Chiangmai, Nan, Chiangrai, Pitsanalok, Loei, Sukhothai, Kamphaengphet, Prae, Phayao, Uttaradit, Lampang. Also in Laos, Viet Nam. Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian. Dialects: HMONG GU MBA (HMONG QUA MBA, STRIPED HMONG, MIAO LAI), MONG LENG, PETCHABUN MIAO. Also spoken by the Hmong Qua Mba people, an ethnic subgroup who live in Hmong Daw or Hmong Njua villages, except possibly in Nan Province, with no significant dialect differences. Largely intelligible with Hmong Njua. Mong Leng is intelligible with Hmong Daw, but sociolinguistic factors require separate literature. Probably the same as Peh Miao (White Miao) of China. Traditional religion, Christian. NT 1975-1984. Bible portions 1922-1984.
HMONG NJUA (CHUANQIANDIAN MIAO, CHUANCHIENTIEN MIAO, SICHUAN-GUIZHOU-YUNNAN HMONG, TAK MIAO, MEO, MIAO, WESTERN MIAO) [BLU] 33,000 in Thailand (1987); 1,000,000 in China (1982); 100,000 in Laos (1975); 10,000 in Myanmar; 70,000 in USA; 2,000 possibly in France (1981); 1,500 in French Guiana; 1,223,500 or more in all countries. Tak, Nan, Chiangmai, Maehongson, Petchabun, Chiangrai, Phayao, Phrae, Loei, Sukhothai, Kamphaengphet, Uthai. Also in Australia, Viet Nam. Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian. Dialects: XIAO HUA MIAO (ATSE, SMALL FLOWERY), TAK (CHING MIAO, GREEN MIAO, BLUE MIAO). Corresponds more or less to Ma's Western and Northern groups, and Purnell's Central and Western groups. Hua, The Miao (Hmongic) group consists of 30-40 inherently unintelligible varieties (Joakim Enwall 1993:12). May be the same as Ching Miao (Blue Miao) of China. Largely intelligible with Hmong Daw. Typology: SOV. Agriculturalists. Traditional religion, Christian. NT 1975-1983. Bible portions 1955-1959.
IU MIEN (MIEN, YAO, MIAN, MYEN, YIU MIEN, YOUMIAN, HIGHLAND YAO, PAN YAO) [IUM] 33,997 in Thailand; 490,000 speakers in China (1990 J-O Svantesson); 300,000 or fewer in Viet Nam (1995); 60,000 or fewer in Laos (1995); 2,000 in France; 16,000 to 20,000 in USA (1995 H. Purnell); a few in Myanmar (1995); 892,000 in all countries. Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Phayao, Lampang, Kampaengphet, Nan, and Sukhothai provinces, 159 villages. Also in Taiwan and Canada. Hmong-Mien, Mienic, Mian-Jin. Dialect: CHIANGRAI. Relatively little dialect variation. All 'Yao' and 'Mien' in Thailand are Iu Mien. Swidden agriculturalists: rice; hunters, weavers, embroiderers. Polytheist, ancestor worship. NT 1975-1991. Bible portions 1932-1968.
KAREN, BWE (BGHAI KAREN, BAGHI, BGHE, KAYIN, YANG, BWE) [BWE] 1,500 in Thailand (1983 SIL); 15,700 in Myanmar (1983 estimate); 17,200 in all countries; total Karen in Thailand 380,000 (1993 Johnstone). In extreme northwest, Maehongson. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Bghai, Unclassified. Traditional religion. Bible portions 1857-1862.
KAREN, NORTHERN PWO (PWO PHRAE, PHRAE, PRAE, NORTHEASTERN PWO KAREN) [KJT] North central Thailand, large area. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pho, Pho-Phlon. Not intelligible with other Pwo Karen languages. 50% to 75%% literate. Work in progress.
KAREN, PADAUNG (PADAUNG, KAYAM) [PDU] A few in Thailand; 40,900 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Maehongson. Mainly in Myanmar. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Bghai, Eastern.
KAREN, PA'O (TAUNGTHU, BLACK KAREN, PA-U, PA'O, PA OH) [BLK] 600 in Thailand (1975 SIL); 560,000 in Myanmar (1983). Maehongson. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pho, Pa'o. Bible portions 1912-1964. Work in progress.
KAREN, PWO KANCHANA BURI (PWO KANCHANABURI, PWO UTHAI THANI, KANCHANABURI) [KJP] Kanchana Buri area northwest of Bangkok. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pho, Pho-Phlon. Not intelligible with other Pwo Karen languages. 14 villages in Uthai Thani, 15% to 50% literate. Work in progress.
KAREN, PWO OMKOI (PHO KAREN, HPALONE, TALAING KAYIN, MUTHEIT, SHU, PWO, PWO KAYIN) [PWW] 60,000 (1983 SIL). Mae Sarieng town in northwest Thailand, Mae Ngaw along the Salween River, 15 to 25 villages, Mae Sot 15 villages, Hot to Mae Sarieng; Mae Sai to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, 6 big villages. 3,000 square miles. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pho, Pho-Phlon. Dialects: MAE SARIENG, LEKE, PHLON (PHLONG), HOD, OMKOI, UBONG, CHIANGRAI. Mae Sarieng represents two dialects. Three dialects are intelligible with each other. The Pwo Karen of Phrae, Kanchana Buri, and Hua Hin are not intelligible with these. Little knowledge of Thai in Hot to Mae Sarieng area. Leke and Phlon are reported to be separate languages. 25% to 50% literate. Traditional religion, Christian. Bible portions 1995. Work in progress.
KAREN, PWO RATCHABURI (HUA HIN PWO KAREN, RATBURI KAREN, SOUTHERN PWO KAREN) [KJF] Ratburi and Hua Hin provinces, northern peninsula. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pho, Pho-Phlon. Dialects: PHETBURI PWO KAREN, RATBURI PWO KAREN. Not intelligible with other Pwo Karen languages. 91% to 98% lexical similarity between Phetburi and Ratburi; 84% to 91% with North Kanchanaburi Pwo Karen; 72% to 75% with Sgaw Karen. Survey needed.
KAREN, S'GAW (S'GAW, S'GAU, S'GAW KAYIN, KANYAW, PAGANYAW, PWAKANYAW, WHITE KAREN, BURMESE KAREN, YANG KHAO) [KSW] 300,000 in Thailand (1987 E. Hudspith); 1,284,700 in Myanmar (1983 estimate); 2,000,000 in all countries (1990 UBS). Tak, Maehongsong, Chiangmai, Chiangrai, near the Myanmar border. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Sgaw. Dialects: PANAPU, PALAKHI (PALACHI). Closely related to Paku. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: SOV. Traditional religion, Christian. Bible 1853, in press (1996). NT 1843-1995. Bible portions 1839-1995.
KAYAH, EASTERN (RED KAREN, KARENNYI, KAYAY, KAYAH) [EKY] 77,900 (1983). Maehongson, east of the Salween River. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Kayah. Distinct from but related to Bwe Karen (Bghai), forming a continuous chain of dialects. Speakers have difficulty understanding Western Kayah of Myanmar. 50% to 75% literate. Work in progress.
KENSIU (KENSE, KENSIEU, KENSEU, KENSIW, SAKAI, SEMANG, MONIQ, MONIK, MANIQ, MONI, MENIK, MENDI, NEGRITO, KINTAQ, KENTA, KINTAK, NGOK PA, ORANG BUKIT, KINTAQ BONG, ORANG LIAR, TONGA, MOS, MENGO, TIONG, MAWAS, BELUBN, KENTA-BOGN) [KNS] 300 in Thailand; 3,000 in Malaysia; 3,300 in all countries (1984 D. Hogan). Southern Yala Province, Phattaloong, Satun, Narathiwat provinces, Thai-Malay border. Some in a resettlement camp in Yala. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Aslian, North Aslian, Western. Negrito pygmies, nomads, small bands. 5% to 15% literate. Tropical forest. Traditional religion. Work in progress.
KHMER, CENTRAL (CAMBODIAN) [KMR] 100,000 in refugee camps in Thailand (1993); 700,000 or more in Viet Nam; 5,932,200 in Cambodia (1990); 50,000 or more in France; 50,000 in USA; 10,400 in Laos; 1,000 in China (1993); 7,063,200 in all countries. Eastern Thailand, 14 villages. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Khmer. The number in Thailand is decreasing (1993). Buddhist. Bible 1954. NT 1929-1993. Bible portions 1899-1933.
KHMER, NORTHERN [KXM] 1,000,000 (1991 SIL). Northeastern Thailand, mainly Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Korat Provinces. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Khmer. Dialects: BURIRAM, SURIN, SISAKET. Different from Central Khmer. Dialects are intelligible with each other. 50% to 75% literate. Typology: SVO; prepositions; genitives, modifiers, relatives after noun heads; 1 prefix; CV, CVC, CCV; non-tonal. Scrub forest. Plains. Peasant and intensive agriculturalists, craftsmen, educators, officials. Altitude: 500 meters. Buddhist, Christian. NT in press (1996).
KHMU (KMHMU, KHAMU, KHMU', KHAMUK, KAMHMU, KAMU, KHA KHMU, KAMMU, TMOOY, MOU, LUU, POUTENG) [KJG] 15,000 to 40,000 in Thailand (1984); 389,694 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan); 42,853 in Viet Nam (1989 F. Proschan); 1,600 in China; 500 possibly in France; over 2,000 in USA; 500,000 in all countries. Scattered through Thailand, Chiangrai, Nan, Phayao. Also in Myanmar. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Khmu'. Traditional religion, Christian. Bible portions 1918. Work in progress.
KHÜN (HKUN, KHUN SHAN, GON SHAN, TAI KHUN, KHUEN) [KKH] 100,000 or more in all countries (1990 A. Diller ANU). Chiangrai, Chiangmai. Large group in Myanmar. May not be in Thailand. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Northwest. Closely related to Lü and Northern Tai. Different from Khouen (Khuen), a Mon-Khmer language of Laos. Buddhist. Bible portions 1938. Survey needed.
KINTAQ (KENTA, KINTAK, KINTAQ BONG) [KNQ] 100 in all countries (1975 SIL). Kedah-Perak border area, Thai border. Overlaps slightly into Southern Yala Province of Thailand. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Aslian, North Aslian, Western. Negrito pygmies, nomadic. Hunter-gatherers. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
KOREAN (CHAOXIAN) [KKN] 75,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). Bangkok. Also North and South Korea, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Japan, Singapore, USA, Guam, Paraguay. Language Isolate. Buddhist, Christian. Bible 1911-1993. NT 1887-1983. Bible portions 1882-1961.
KUY (SUAI, SOAI, KUOY, KUI SOUEI, SUEI, SUOI, KUI, CUOI, KHAMEN-BORAN) [KDT] 234,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone); 64,000 in Laos (1993); 16,000 in Cambodia (1993); 314,000 in all countries, or 650,000 total (1981 Wurm and Hattori). East central Thailand; Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Ubon, Roi Et. Northeastern Cambodia and Laos. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Kuy-Suei. Dialects: DAMREY, ANLOUR, O, KRAOL, ANTRA. 25% to 50% literate. Traditional religion, Buddhist. NT 1978-1992. Bible portions 1965.
LAHU (LOHEI, MUHSUR, MUSSUH, MUHSO, MUSSO, MUSSER) [LAH] 28,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone); 411,476 in China (1990); 125,000 in Myanmar (1993); 2,000 to 2,500 in Laos (1973); 580,000 in all countries (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Maehongson, Lampang, Tak provinces, 119 known villages. There has been some migration from Myanmar and Laos. Also in Viet Nam. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmese-Lolo, Lolo, Southern, Akha, Lahu. Dialects: NA (BLACK LAHU, MUSSER DAM, NORTHERN LAHU, LOHEIRN), NYI (RED LAHU, SOUTHERN LAHU, MUSSEH DAENG, LUHISHI, LUHUSHI), SHEHLEH. Black Lahu, Red Lahu, and Shehleh dialects are close. Lahu Shi (Yellow Lahu, Kutsung) is distinct. Grammar, dictionary. 30% to 60% literate in Lahu. Traditional religion, Christian. Bible 1989. NT 1932-1962. Bible portions 1924-1962.
LAHU SHI (KUTSUNG, KUCONG, KUI, KWI, SHI, YELLOW LAHU, MUSSEH KWI, MUSSEH LYANG) [KDS] A small number in Thailand; 9,500 in Myanmar; 5,000 in China (1984); 600 in Visalia, California, USA (1991 J. Matisoff); 14,500 in all countries. In refugee camps near Laos border; formerly in Chiang Kham camp, but now in camps near Pua, Nan, or elsewhere. Possibly also in Laos. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmese-Lolo, Lolo, Southern, Akha, Lahu. Difficult intelligibility with Black and Red Lahu. Distinct from Kui (Kuy, Suoi), with is Mon-Khmer. 5% to 15% literate. Work in progress.
LAMET (LEMET, KHA LAMET, KHAMET, KAMET) [LBN] 100 in Thailand; 10,000 in Laos (1981 Wurm and Hattori); 6 to 10 families in USA (1986 E. Preisig). Lampang, Chiangrai. Mainly northwest Laos. Also in California, Washington State, and Washington D.C., USA. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Lametic. Dialects: UPPER LAMET, LOWER LAMET. Called 'Khamet' in Thailand and 'Lamet' in Laos. Traditional religion. Work in progress.
LAWA, EASTERN (WIANG PAPAO LUA, NORTHERN LAWA) [LWL] 7,000 (1987 D. Schlatter). Northern; Chiangmai, Chiangrai, one village: Wiang Papao. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Waic, Lawa. Dialects: PHALO, PHANG. Unintelligible with Western Lawa. Speakers are bilingual in Northern Tai. Phalo (100) and Phang (100) are treated as distinct languages in Wurm and Hattori 1981. 25% to 50% literate. Traditional religion, Buddhist.
LAWA, WESTERN (LAVA, LUWA, LUA, L'WA, LAVUA, LAVÜA, MOUNTAIN LAWA) [LCP] 7,000 in Thailand (1987 D. Schlatter); 75,000 in China (1990 J-O Svantesson); 82,000 in all countries. Numerous villages in Chiangmai and Maehongson provinces of northern Thailand. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Waic, Lawa. Dialect: LA-OOR. Unintelligible with Eastern Lawa. Some dialects are unintelligible to each other's speakers. La-oor is becoming the standard for literature. 25% to 50% literate. Traditional religion, Buddhist. NT 1972. Bible portions 1961-1967.
LISU (LISAW, LI-SHAW, LI-HSAW, LU-TZU, SOUTHERN LISU, YAO YEN, YAW-YEN, YAW YIN, YEH-JEN, LISO) [LIS] 16,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone); 515,000 in China (1990); 126,000 in Myanmar (1987); 657,000 in all countries. Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Maehongson, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet provinces. Some have migrated to northwest Thailand from Myanmar. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmese-Lolo, Lolo, Northern, Lisu. Dialect: LU SHI LISU. 50% to 75% literate. Traditional religion, Christian. Bible 1968-1986. NT 1938-1978. Bible portions 1921-1950.
LÜ (LUE, TAI LUE, THAI LU, TAI LU, LU, PAI-I, PAI-YI, SHUI-PAI-I) [KHB] 78,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone); 20,000 in Laos (1993); 3,000 in Viet Nam (1959); 250,000 to 770,000 in China (1990); 200,000 in Myanmar (1981); 551,000 to 1,070,000 in all countries. Chiangrai, Payao, Lamphun, Nan, Chiang Kham, and throughout northern Thailand. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Northwest. Most closely related to Khun. 88% lexical similarity with Northern Thai; 74% with Central Thai. Central Thai is used in schools and on the radio. Northern Tai is the language in town for trade, employment, and with Northern Thai speakers. Many thousands of Lü people including men and women, younger and older people understand very little Central Thai. Lü is used exclusively in talking to other Lü people; in the home, with friends, children, in the market, fields, in arguments, for telling stories, for counting. The Lü are proud of their language and eager to be identified as Lü. Extensive literature in old Lü script, which no one reads now. Literacy is high in Central Thai in the Thai script. An official nationality in Viet Nam. 50% to 75% literate. Tropical forest. Valleys. Agriculturalists: wet rice, fishermen. Traditional religion, Buddhist. NT 1933, out of print. Bible portions 1921-1932. Work in progress.
LUA' (EAST PUA PRAY, PRAY 2) [PRB] East of Pua District in Nan Province. Also on Laos-Thailand border. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Mal-Phrai. Distinct from Mal, Phai, and Pray 3. Some Christians. Bible portions 1984. Work in progress.
MAL (T'IN, HTIN, THIN, TIN, T'IN, KHATIN) [MLF] 3,000 to 4,000 in Thailand (1982 SIL); 13,977 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan); 17,000 to 18,000 in all countries. 20,000 in Thailand in Mal-Phrai group of languages; 40,000 including Laos. East of Pua District and Chiang Kam, valley near northern Laos border, Nan Province. Also in northern California, USA (Thin). Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Mal-Phrai. Not intelligible with Lua, Phai, or Pray 3. 'Mal' and 'Madl' are self names. 'T'in' is an ethnic name used in Thailand. 1% to 15% literate. NT 1994. Bible portions 1983.
MALAY (BAHASA MALAY, MELAYU) [MLI] 17,600,000 or more in all countries. Some villages in Ranong, south Thailand. Also in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, USA, United Arab Emirates. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Sundic, Malayic, Malayan, Local Malay. Shafi Muslim. Bible 1733-1993. NT 1668-1938. Bible portions 1629-1932.
MALAY, KEDAH [MEO] A few villages near Satun. Isolated. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Sundic, Malayic, Malayan, Local Malay. Apparently distinct from Pattani Malay or Standard Malay. More people speak Thai than among the Pattani. Most outside contacts are with centers of Thai population in Songkhla, Phattalung, and Haad Yai; with west coast Malay states of Perlis and Kedah Culturally Malay. Tropical forest. Muslim. Survey needed.
MALAY, PATTANI (THAI ISLAM) [MFA] 2,384,000 (1993), 4% of the population (1993 Johnstone). East coast of south Thailand below Songkhla, Yala to Suratthani, near Rangsit. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Sundic, Malayic, Malayan, Local Malay. Similar to the Malay spoken in Kelantan and Trenganu states in Malaysia. Different from Kedah Malay and Standard Malay. Muslim, Christian. NT 1981. Bible portions 1981.
MANG (MANG U, XAMANG, CHAMAN, MANBU, BA'E) [MGA] 5 in Thailand; 2,200 in Viet Nam (1989); 500 in China; 2,700 in all countries. 1 village in the north. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Mang. An official ethnic community in Viet Nam.
MLABRI (MLA, MLA BRI, MABRI, MRABRI, YUMBRI, MA KU, YELLOW LEAF, PHI THONG LUANG) [MRA] 300 in all countries (1982 E. R. Long NTM); 24 in Laos (1985 F. Proschan). Laos border area. Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Utaradit, Phitsanuloke, Loey, and perhaps other provinces. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mlabri. Speakers are sometimes employed by the Hmong. No literates. They speak or understand some Hmong and Northern Thai. Mlabri are different from the Kha Tong Luang (Phi Tong Luang, Yellow Leaf) in Laos, which are Western Viet-Muong (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Some are nomadic. 1% to 15% literate. Tropical forest. Agriculturalists: rice, maize; hunter-gatherers. Traditional religion. Work in progress.
MOK (AMOK, HSEN-HSUM) [MQT] 7 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Northwest; east northeast of Chiang Mai, on Wang River. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Angkuic. Nearly extinct.
MOKEN (MAWKEN, BASING, SELUNG, SELONG, SALONG, SALON, CHAU KO') [MWT] (7,000 in Myanmar; 1993 Johnstone). West coast of south Thailand, Phuket, Phangnga, Krabi, Ranong. Mainly in Myanmar. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Sundic, Malayic, Moklen. Dialects: DUNG, JA-IT, L'BE. They live primarily on boats, but occasionally settle on islands in the area. Closest to Moklen. Related to Urak Lawoi. Traditional religion, Muslim. Bible portions 1913. Work in progress.
MOKLEN (CHAU POK) [MKM] 1,500 or fewer (1984 D. Hogan). West coast of south Thailand, Phuket, Phangnga. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Sundic, Malayic, Moklen. Heavy Thai and Mon-Khmer influence. Traditional religion, Muslim. Work in progress.
MON (TALAING, TALENG, ALENG, MUN, PEGUAN, TAKANOON) [MNW] 70,000 to 100,000 in Thailand (1983 SIL); 835,100 in Myanmar (1983 estimate); 900,000 to 935,000 in all countries. On the Myanmar border, Kanchanaburi, Pathum Thani, Rat Buri, Surat Thani, Lopburi, Khorat; north and south of Bangkok. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Monic. In some areas they have apparently integrated with the Thai, in other areas they are separate. Traditional religion, Buddhist. Bible 1928. NT 1847. Bible portions 1843-1904.
MPI (MPI-MI) [MPZ] 2,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Phrae, Phayao, two villages. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmese-Lolo, Lolo, Southern, Phunoi. Closely related to Bisu, Pyen, and Phunoi. Traditional religion. Survey needed.
NYAHKUR (NYAH KUR, NYAKUR, NIAKUOL, NIAKUOLL, "CHAOBON", "CHAODON", LAWA) [CBN] 300 (1983 SIL) to 10,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Central Thailand, Korat, Petchabun, Chayaphum, a few villages, from north of B. Khum Chieo to south of Ban Kao, Thakhong and other rivers. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Monic. Their name for themselves is 'Nyahkur'. "Chaobon" is the Thai name and is derogatory. 75% to 100% literate. Buddhist. Work in progress.
NYAW (YO, NYO) [NYW] 50,000 (1990 A. Diller ANU). Sakorn Nakorn, Ta Bo', Nong Khai; Tha Uthen, Nakorn Panom. Also in Laos. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central. Closely related to Isan (Northeastern Thai) and Luang Prabang Lao. Speakers use Isan as second language. Maw may be an alternate name. Buddhist. Work in progress.
NYEU (YEU) [NYL] Small. Sisaket. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, Kuy-Suei. Accessible. Closely related to Kuy. 25% to 50% literate.
PALAUNG, PALE (DI-ANG, NGWE PALAUNG, SILVER PALAUNG, PALE, PALAY, SOUTHERN TA-ANG) [PCE] 5,000 in Thailand (1989); 5,000 in China (1995); 200,000 to 300,000 in all countries. Mainly in Myanmar. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Palaung. A distinct language from Shwe Palaung and Rumai Palaung. Below 5% literate. Work in progress.
PHAI (PHAY, THUNG CHAN PRAY, KHA PHAY, PRAY 1, PRAI) [PRT] 31,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone). Thung Chang District of Nan Province. Also in Laos. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Mal-Phrai. Distinct from Lua, Mal, and Pray 3. More Pray speakers have recently come from Laos to refugee camps, which could represent additional dialects. Work in progress.
PHU THAI (PUTHAI, PUTAI, PHUU THAI, PHUTAI) [PHT] 50,000 in Thailand (1983 SIL); 128,000 in Laos (1993); 150,000 in Viet Nam (1993); 300,000 in all countries (1990 A. Diller ANU) to 434,000 total (1993 Johnstone). Kham Chai, Nakorn Panom, Ubon, Kalasin, Sakorn Nakorn. Also in Los Angeles, California, USA. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Lao-Phutai. Little dialect differentiation. Close to Tai Dam and Tai Don. Isan (Northeastern Tai) is used as second language. 75% to 100% literate. Buddhist.
PHUAN (LAO PHUAN, PHU UN) [PHU] 75,000 in all countries (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Uthai Thani, Phichit, Petchabun, Lopburi, Singburi, Suphanburi, Saraburi, Nakorn Nayok, Phrachinburi, Udon, Loei, and one village south of Bangkok. Also in Laos. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng. They were relocated to Thailand from 1827 to 1890. Vigorous language use and sense of identity. There is an annual Phuan celebration in Bangkok. A socially prominent group. Closely related to Northern Tai, Tai Dam, Song, Lao. The name is also used for Lao speakers in Thailand. Buddhist. Survey needed.
PHUNOI (PHU NOI, PUNOI, PHOUNOY, CÔÔNG) [PHO] 32,000 in all countries (1981 Wurm and Hattori); 20,000 in Laos (1993); 1,300 in Viet Nam (1989 census). Some in Chiangrai. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmese-Lolo, Lolo, Southern, Phunoi. Dialects: BLACK KHOANY, WHITE KHOANY, MUNG, HWETHOM, KHASKHONG. Closely related Bisu, Pyen, and Mpi. Those listed as dialects may be separate languages. Known as 'Côông' in Viet Nam. 50% to 75% literate.
PRAY 3 [PRY] Interspersed in Thung Chang and Pua districts among the Mal. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Mal-Phrai. Needs intelligibility testing. One dialect is more distinct, but people speak Mal fairly well. Separate from Phai and Lua. 25% to 50% literate. Survey needed.
SAEK (SEK, TAI SEK) [SKB] 11,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone); 25,000 in all countries, with more than half in Laos (1990 A. Diller ANU). Northeastern, Nakorn Panom. Daic, Tai, Northern. Second language is Lao. Buddhist.
SHAN (SHA, TAI SHAN, SAM, TAI YAI, THAI YAI, GREAT THAI, TAI LUANG, "NGIO", "NGIOW", "NGIAW", "NGIAO", "NGEO") [SJN] 56,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone); 2,920,000 in Myanmar (1993); 3,000,000 in all countries. Maehongson, Myuang Haeng, Chiangrai, Chiangmai, Maesai, Tak, on northwestern border. Also in 1 village in China. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Northwest. Plains. Paddy rice, artisans (gold, silver, blacksmiths), shopkeepers. Buddhist, traditional religion, Christian. Bible 1892. NT 1882-1994. Bible portions 1871-1994.
SÔ (KAH SO, THRO) [SSS] 55,000 in Thailand (1993 Johnstone); 102,000 in Laos (1993); 157,000 in all countries. Nakorn Panom, Sakorn Nakorn, Nong Kai, Kalasin. Both sides of Mekong River in northeastern Thailand. 53 villages in Thailand. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, So-Bru. Dialects: SO TRONG, SO SLOUY, SO PHONG, SO MAKON. People speak So in the home. Spoken by all ages. They came from Laos, and the same dialect is spoken there. They are adjusting to Thai culture and gradually becoming bilingual in Thai. Closely related to Bru. 25% to 50% literate. Plains. Agriculturalists: wet rice. Buddhist, traditional religion, Christian. Bible portions 1980. Work in progress.
SO TRI (TRI, SO TRII) [SZT] 5,000 in Thailand (1983 SIL); 10,000 in all countries (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Sakorn Nakorn Province, 2 villages. Also in Laos. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Eastern Mon-Khmer, Katuic, West Katuic, So-Bru. Close to So. Young people in Thailand do not speak Tri. Bilingual in Northeastern Tai. Survey needed.
SONG (THAI SONG, LAO SONG, LAO SONG DAM) [SOA] 20,000 to 30,000 (1982 SIL). Kanchanaburi, Phetburi, Pitsanulok, Nakorn Sawaan, Nakorn Pathom, Suphanaburi. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng. Only slight dialect differences. Closely related to Tai Dam. Traditional religion. Bible portions.
TAI DAM (JINPING DAI, TAI NOIR, THAI DEN, BLACK TAI) [BLT] 20,000 in Thailand (1991 J. Matisoff); 500,000 in Viet Nam (1990); 10,000 in China (1995); 3,000 in USA; 1,000 to 1,500 in France; 534,000 or more in all countries. Widely scattered in Nongkhai, Korat, Loei, and Saraburi. Also in Laos, China; Sydney, Australia. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng. Partially intelligible with Tai Kao (White Tai). Officially included under Dai in China. Part of the Thai official nationality in Viet Nam. Bible portions 1982-1993. Work in progress.
TAI, NORTHEASTERN (ISAN, ISAAN, ISSAN) [TTS] 15,000,000 (1983 SIL) to 23,000,000 including Lao; at least 1,000,000 in Bangkok; Kalerng has a few thousand speakers (1990 A. Diller ANU). Northeastern; 17 provinces. Kalerng is in Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Lao-Phutai. Dialects: NORTH ISAN, CENTRAL ISAN (KALERNG, KALEUNG), SOUTHERN ISAN. KORAT. Written in Thai script. The people are called Isan. 88% use Isan in the home, 1% use Central Thai, 11% use both. The Korat dialect is quite different, and may be a separate language. Typology: SVO. Buddhist. Bible 1932. Work in progress.
TAI, NORTHERN (LANNA, LAN NA, LANATAI, "YUAN", PHYAP, PHAYAP, PAYAP, KAMMÜANG, KAMMYANG, MYANG, KAM MU'ANG, MU'ANG, KHON MUNG, KHON MYANG, TAI NYA, LA NYA, NORTHERN THAI, WESTERN LAOTIAN) [NOD] 6,000,000 in Thailand (1983 SIL); 3,000 to 5,000 in Laos (1962); 6,005,000 in all countries. Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Lamphun, Lampang, Maehongson, Hot, Nan, Phayao. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng. Dialects: NAN, BANDU, TAI WANG. Has had Yuan script for a long time, in which are written Buddhist sermons, inscriptions, the Bible. The script is not used much now; few can read it. The Thai script has been used for newspapers and other literature in Northern Tai also, although it lacks some necessary contrasts. People are called 'Khon Mung', but do not like the name "Yuan". Rural or uneducated speakers have limited bilingualism in Central Thai. The Nan dialect is more distinct. 87.5% use Northern Tai in the home, 3% use Central Thai, 9.5% use both. Buddhist. Bible 1927, out of print. NT 1914. Bible portions 1867-1968. Work in progress.
TAI, SOUTHERN (PAK THAI, PAK TAI, PAKTAY, DAMBRO) [SOU] 5,000,000 (1990 A. Diller ANU), including 1,500,000 Muslim Tai (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Chumphon, Nakorn Srithammerat; 14 provinces total. Muslim Tai in provinces of Chumporn, Nakorn Srithammerat, Phattalung, Songkhla, Ranong, Phanga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, Southern. Dialects: TAK BAI (TAI TAK BAI), THAI MALAY (TAI ISLAM). A group of dialects more distantly related to other Tai languages. The border dialects are quite distinct from others. 81% use Southern Tai in the home, 8.5% use Central Tai, 10.5% use both. Muslim Tai ('Thai Malay') speak only Southern Tai. Buddhist, Muslim, Christian. Survey needed.
THAI (CENTRAL TAI, STANDARD THAI, THAIKLANG, SIAMESE) [THJ] 20,000,000 to 25,000,000 in Thailand (1990 A. Diller), including 400,000 Khorat (1984), 4,704,000 mother-tongue Thai speakers who are ethnic Chinese, or 80% of the Chinese (1984); 14,416 in USA (1970 census); 3,000 in United Arab Emirates (1986); 30,000 in Singapore (1993); 21,000,000 or more in all countries. Central Thailand, centered in Bangkok. Khorat dialect in Ratchasima. Daic, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Chiang Saeng. Dialect: KHORAT THAI (KORAT). Official language of the country and medium of education and most mass communication. Thai script. People sometimes called Siamese. National language. Typology: SVO. Buddhist, Christian. Braille code available. Bible 1883-1990. NT 1843-1977. Bible portions 1834-1967.
THAI SIGN LANGUAGE [TSQ] Deaf sign language. Dialect: CHIENGMAI SIGN LANGUAGE. The first deaf school was established in 1951, with influence from Gallaudet University. It uses a combination of indigenous signs and American Sign Language. Total communication used in school: speaking and signing. The sign language used in the classroom and that by deaf adults outside is different. Some signed interpretation on TV. There is a manual system for spelling. Dictionaries. There are at least five sign languages reported among ethnic groups in the mountains. There are conflicting reports about Chiengmai Sign Language, and whether or not it is inherently intelligible with Thai Sign Language. The signs used at the deaf school at Tak are reported to be very different. Work in progress.
TONGA (MOS) [TNZ] 300 in all countries (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Two areas in the south. Also in Malaysia. Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Aslian, North Aslian, Tonga. Dialect: SATUN. Probably close to Kensiu. Survey needed.
UGONG (LAWA, 'UGONG, GONG) [UGO] 100 (1991 D. Bradley) to 1,000 (1993). Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, Suphanaburi. None in Myanmar. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmese-Lolo, Lolo, Residual Lolo. Dialects: KOK CHIANG, SUPHANABURI. Not closely related to other languages. Reported to be used by 100 adults as language of the home. Children speak Thai as mother tongue. All speak some variety of Thai. Distinct from Lawa in the Palaung-Wa branch of Mon-Khmer. Survey needed.
URAK LAWOI' (ORAK LAWOI', LAWTA, CHAW TALAY, CHAWNAM, LAWOI) [URK] 3,000 (1984 D. Hogan). Phuket and Langta islands, west coast of southern Thailand. Not in Malaysia. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Sundic, Malayic, Malayan, Para-Malay. Strand dwellers. Aboriginal Malays who speak a unique Malay language. Traditional religion, Christian. Bible portions 1976. Work in progress.
URDU [URD] 54,000,000 or more in all countries. Bangkok, Mookherji area. Also Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Hindustani. Muslim. Bible 1843-1958. NT 1758-1993. Bible portions 1805-1894.
YONG (NYONG) [YNO] Chiangrai, Chiangmai, Lamphun. May also be in Muang Yong, northern Myanmar. Daic, Tai, Southwestern. Phonology similar to Lü. Second language is Northern Tai. Buddhist. Survey needed.
YOY (YOI, YOOI, YOOY) [YOY] 5,000 in Thailand (1990 A. Diller ANU). Sakorn Nakorn. Also in Laos. Daic, Tai, Unclassified. Bilingual in Northeastern Thai. Survey needed.
Part of the Ethnologue, 13th Edition, Barbara F. Grimes, Editor.
Copyright © 1996, Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc. All rights reserved.
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