Languages of Myanmar

Union of Myanmar, Pyeidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw. Formerly Burma. National or official language: Burmese. 44,497,000 (1998 UN). Speakers of Tibeto-Burman languages: 28,877,000 or 78% of the population, Daic languages 2,778,900 or 9.6%, Austro-Asiatic languages 1,934,900 or 6.7%, Hmong-Mien languages 6,000 (1991 J. Matisoff). Literacy rate 66% to 78%; 78.5% over 15 years old (1991). Also includes Geman Deng, Iu Mien, Malay 21,000, Eastern Tamang, Chinese 1,015,000, people from Bangladesh and India 500,000. Information mainly from F. Lebar, G. Hickey, J. Musgrave 1967; A. Hale 1982; B. Comrie 1987; R.B. Jones 1988; J. Matisoff et al. 1996; R. Burling ms. (1998). Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, traditional religion, Hindu. Blind population 214,440. Deaf population 2,684,514. Deaf institutions: 1. Data accuracy estimate: C. The number of languages listed for Myanmar is 108. Of those, 107 are living languages and 1 is extinct. Diversity index 0.64.

Spoken living languages

ACHANG

[ACN] 1,700 Maingtha in Myanmar (1983 estimate), and many others. West of the Irrawaddy River in Katha District, near Banmauk. Along the China border. Alternate names: ANCHAN, CHUNG, ATSANG, ACANG, NGAC'ANG, NGACHANG, NGO CHANG, MÖNGHSA, TAI SA'. Dialects: MAINGTHA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern.
 

AKHA

[AKA] 200,000 in Myanmar (1991 UBS). Population total all countries 450,000. Alternate names: KAW, EKAW, KO, AKA, IKAW, AK'A, AHKA, KHAKO, KHA KO, KHAO KHA KO, IKOR, AINI, YANI. Dialects: AKO, ASONG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani, Ha-Ya.
 

ANAL

[ANM] Also possibly in Bangladesh. Alternate names: NAMFAU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

ANU

[ANL] 700. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Unclassified.
 

ARAKANESE

[MHV] 1,875,000 in Myanmar (1993 Johnstone). Population total all countries 2,083,000. Alternate names: MAGHI, MORMA, YAKAN, YAKHAING, RAKHAIN, MOGH, MAGH, MARMA, MASH, RAKHINE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern.
 

BLANG

[BLR] 12,000 in Myanmar (1994). Eastern Shan State, Mong Yang area, and Kengtung. Alternate names: BULANG, PULANG, PULA, KAWA, K'ALA, PLANG, KONTOI. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Waic, Bulang.
 

BURMESE

[BMS] 21,553,000 first language speakers (1986), 58.41% of the population. 3,000,000 second language speakers (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Population total all countries 32,000,000 (1999 WA). Alternate names: BAMA, BAMACHAKA, MYEN. Dialects: MERGUESE (MERGUI, BEIK), YAW, DANU (TARUW), BURMESE, PALAW. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern.
 

CHAK

[CKH] Population total both countries 910 or more. Classification: Unclassified.
 

CHAUNGTHA

[CCQ] 121,700 (1983 estimate). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern.
 

CHIN, ASHO

[CSH] 10,000 in Myanmar (1991 UBS). Population total both countries 11,500 or more. Alternate names: QIN, ASHO, ASHU, SHOA, SHO, KHYANG, KYANG. Dialects: THAYETMYO (THAYETMO), MINBU, LEMYO, KHYANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern, Sho.
 

CHIN, BAWM

[BGR] Falam area, Chin Hills. Alternate names: BAWM, BAWN, BAWNG, BOM. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central.
 

CHIN, CHINBON

[CNB] 19,600 (1983 estimate). Kanpetlet, Yaw, Seidoutia, and Paletwa townships. Alternate names: ÜTBÜ, CHINDWIN CHIN, SHO, CHINBON. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern, Sho.
 

CHIN, DAAI

[DAO] 30,000 (1994 UBS). Matupi, Paletwa, Kanpetiet townships. Alternate names: DAAI, DAI, M'KAANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern.
 

CHIN, FALAM

[HBH] 100,000 in Myanmar (1991 UBS), including 9,000 Tashon, 16,000 Zanniat, 7,000 Khualshim, 4,000 Lente, 14,400 Zahao 18,600 in Laizao (1983 estimate). Population total all countries 125,370 or more. Alternate names: HALLAM CHIN, HALAM, FALLAM, FALAM. Dialects: ZANNIAT, TASHON (TASHOM, SHUNKLA, SUNKHLA), LAIZO (LAISO, LAIZAO, LAIZO-SHIMHRIN), ZAHAO (ZAHAU, YAHOW, ZAHAU-SHIMHRIN, LYEN-LYEM), KHUALSHIM (KWELSHIN), LENTE (LYENTE), CHOREI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

CHIN, HAKA

[CNH] 100,000 in Myanmar (1991 UBS), including 2,000 Zokhua, 60,100 Lai (1983 estimate). Population total all countries 445,000. Alternate names: HAKA, HAKHA, BAUNGSHE. Dialects: LAI, KLANGKLANG (THLANTLANG), ZOKHUA, SHONSHE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central.
 

CHIN, KHUMI

[CKM] 76,700 in Myanmar (1983 estimate) including 40,000 Matu Chin (1990 UBS). Population total all countries 78,000 or more. Alternate names: KHUMI, KHAMI, KHWEYMI, KHIMI, KHUNI. Dialects: KHIMI, MATU (MARU, DAI-PATU), YINDI (YINDU), KHAMI, NGALA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern, Khumi.
 

CHIN, KHUMI AWA

[CKA] Arakan Hills, coast areas. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern, Khumi.
 

CHIN, MARA

[MRH] 20,000 in Myanmar (1994 IMA). Lushai Hills. Alternate names: MARA, LAKHER, ZAO, MARAM, MIRA. Dialects: TLONGSAI, HLAWTHAI, SABEU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern.
 

CHIN, MRO

[CMR] 100,000 to 200,000 in Myanmar (1999). Population total both countries 100,000 to 200,000. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin.
 

CHIN, MÜN

[MWQ] 30,000 (1991 UBS, 1990 E. Hang). Chin Hills, western. Alternate names: MÜN, NG'MEN, CHO, YAWDWIN, MINDAT, 'CHINBOK'. Dialects: NITU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern.
 

CHIN, NGAWN

[CNW] 15,000 (1984). Chin Hills, Falam area. Alternate names: NGAWN, NGORN, NGON. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central.
 

CHIN, PAITE

[PCK] 8,900 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Tiddim District, Chin Hills. Alternate names: PAITE, PAITHE, OARTE, HAINTE, VUITE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

CHIN, SENTHANG

[SEZ] 18,200 (1983 estimate). Haka, Chin Hills. Alternate names: SENTHANG, HSEMTANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central.
 

CHIN, SIYIN

[CSY] 10,000 (1991 UBS). Chin Hills. Alternate names: SIYIN, SIYANG, SIZANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

CHIN, TAWR

[TCP] 700 (D. Van Bik). Falam, Haka, Chin Hills. Alternate names: TAWR, TORR. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central.
 

CHIN, TEDIM

[CTD] 189,100 in Myanmar (1990 BAP). Population total both countries 344,100. Alternate names: TEDIM, TIDDIM. Dialects: SOKTE, KAMHAU (KAMHOW, KAMHAO). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

CHIN, THADO

[TCZ] 26,200 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Alternate names: THADOU, THADO-UBIPHEI, THADO-PAO, KUKI, KUKI-THADO. Dialects: BAITE, CHANGSEN, JANGSHEN, KAOKEEP, KHONGZAI, KIPGEN, LANGIUNG, SAIRANG, THANGNGEN, HAWKIP. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

CHIN, ZOTUNG

[CZT] 40,000 (1990 UBS). Chin Hills, Haka area. Alternate names: ZOTUNG, BANJOGI, BANDZHOGI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central.
 

CHITTAGONIAN

[CIT] Arakan state. Dialects: ROHINGA (AKYAB). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bengali-Assamese.
 

DANAU

[DNU] 10,000 (1984). Alternate names: DANAW. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Danau.
 

GANGTE

[GNB] Alternate names: GANTE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

HANI

[HNI] 180,000 in Myanmar (1994). North Shan State. None in Thailand. Alternate names: HANHI, HAW. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani, Ha-Ya.
 

HMONG NJUA

[BLU] 10,000 in Myanmar (1987 Haiv Hmoob). Alternate names: BLUE MEO, GREEN MIAO, TAK MEO, HMONG NJWA, HMONG LENG. Classification: Hmong-Mien, Hmongic, Chuanqiandian.
 

HPON

[HPO] 1,700 (1983 estimate). Alternate names: HPÖN, PHUN, PHÖN, PHON, MEGYAW, SAMONG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern.

HRANGKHOL

[HRA] Population total both countries 18,000 or more (1997). Alternate names: RANGKHOL. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

INTHA

[INT] 141,100 (1983 estimate). Near Inle Lake in the southern Shan State. Alternate names: INNTHA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern.
 

JINGPHO

[CGP] 625,000 in Myanmar (1993 Johnstone). Population total both countries 645,000. Alternate names: KACHIN, JINGHPAW, CHINGPAW, CHINGP'O, MARIP. Dialects: HKAKU HKA-HKU, KAURI (HKAURI, GAURI), DZILI (JILI), DULONG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Jingpho-Luish, Jingpho.
 

KADO

[KDV] 128,500 in Myanmar including 90,300 Kado, 38,200 Ganaan (1983 estimate). Population total all countries 228,500 or more. Alternate names: KADU, KATU, KATO, KUDO, ASAK, SAK, GADU, THET, THAT, MAWTEIK, PUTEIK, WONI. Dialects: KADU, GANAAN (GANAN), ANDRO, SENGMAI, CHAKPA, PHAYENG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Jingpho-Luish, Luish.
 

KAREN, BREK

[KVL] 16,600 (1983 estimate). 2,600,000 in all Karen languages in Myanmar. Southwestern Kayah State. Alternate names: BREK, BREC, BRE, PRAMANO, PRE, LAKU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Brek.
 

KAREN, BWE

[BWE] 15,700 (1983 estimate). Kyèbogyi area of Kayah State. A few in Thailand. Alternate names: BGHAI KAREN, BAGHI, BWE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Bghai, Unclassified.
 

KAREN, GEBA

[KVQ] 40,100 (1983 estimate). Northern Kayah State and southern Shan State. Alternate names: GEBA, KABA, KARENBYU, KAYINBYU, WHITE KAREN, EASTERN BWE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Bghai, Western.
 

KAREN, GEKO

[GHK] 9,500 (1983 estimate). Yamethin, Toungoo Districts, Mobyè State of the southern Shan States. Alternate names: GEK'O, GHEKO, GEKHO, GHEKHOL, GHEKHU, KEKU, KEKHONG, KEKAUNGDU, GAIKHO, PADAUNG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Bghai, Unclassified.
 

KAREN, LAHTA

[KVT] Southern Shan State. Alternate names: LAHTA, TARU, TARULAKHI, KHAHTA, PEU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Bghai, Eastern.
 

KAREN, MANUMANAW

[KXF] 3,000 or more (1965). Western Kyèbogyi part of Kayah State. Alternate names: MANUMANAW, MONU, MANÖ. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Kayah.
 

KAREN, PA'O

[BLK] 560,000 in Myanmar (1983). Population total both countries 560,600. Alternate names: NORTHERN TAUNGTHU, BLACK KAREN, PA-U, PA'O, PA OH, PA-O. Dialects: SOUTHERN PA'O, NORTHERN PA'O. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pa'o.
 

KAREN, PADAUNG

[PDU] 40,900 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Population total both countries 41,000. Alternate names: PADAUNG, KAYANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Bghai, Eastern.
 

KAREN, PAKU

[KPP] 5,300 (1983 estimate). Southern hills east of Taungoo in Kayah State. Alternate names: PAKU, PAGU, MONNEPWA, MONEBWA, MOPWA, MOPHA, MOPAGA, MOGPHA, MOGWA, THALWEPWE. Dialects: BILICHI, DERMUHA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Sgaw.
 

KAREN, PWO EASTERN

[KJP] 1,000,000 in Myanmar (1998). Population total both countries 1,050,000. Alternate names: PHLOU, MOULMEIN PWO KAREN. Dialects: PA'AN (MOULMEIN, INLAND PWO EASTERN KAREN), KAWKAREIK (EASTERN BORDER PWO KAREN), TAVOY (SOUTHERN PWO KAREN). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pwo.
 

KAREN, PWO WESTERN

[PWO] 210,000. Irrawaddy Delta. Alternate names: MUTHEIT, DELTA PWO KAREN, BASSEIN PWO KAREN, PHLONG SHO. Dialects: BASSEIN, TUAN TET, MAUBIN. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Pwo.
 

KAREN, S'GAW

[KSW] 1,284,700 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Population total both countries 2,000,000 (1990 UBS). Alternate names: S'GAW, S'GAU, S'GAW KAYIN, KANYAW, PAGANYAW, PWAKANYAW, WHITE KAREN, BURMESE KAREN, YANG KHAO, PCHCKNYA, KYETHO. Dialects: PANAPU, PALAKHI (PALACHI). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Sgaw.
 

KAREN, YINBAW

[KVU] 7,300 (1983 estimate). Shan Plateau of eastern Shan State. Alternate names: YINBAW, YEINBAW. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Kayah.
 

KAREN, YINTALE

[KVY] Bawlakhè part of Kayah State. Alternate names: YINTALE, YINTALET, YANGATALET, YANGTADAI, TALIAK. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Kayah.
 

KAREN, ZAYEIN

[KXK] 9,300 (1983 estimate). Between the towns of Mobyè and Phekon in the southern Shan State. Alternate names: ZAYEIN, KHAUNGTOU, GAUNGTOU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Unclassified.
 

KAYAH, EASTERN

[EKY] Population total both countries 77,900. Alternate names: RED KAREN, KARENNI, KAYAY, KAYAH. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Kayah.
 

KAYAH, WESTERN

[KYU] 210,000 (1987). Kayah and Karen states, west of the Pong River. Alternate names: KAYAH LI, KARENNI, KARENNYI, RED KAREN, YANG DAENG, KARIENG DAENG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Kayah.
 

KHAMTI

[KHT] Population total both countries 70,000 (1990 A. Diller ANU). Alternate names: HKAMTI, KHAMPTI, KHAMTI SHAN, KHAMPTI SHAN, KHANDI SHAN, KAM TI, TAI KAM TI, TAI-KHAMTI. Dialects: ASSAM KHAMTI, NORTH BURMA KHAMTI, SINKALING HKAMTI. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Northwest.
 

KHMU

[KJG] Alternate names: KMHMU, KHMU', KAMU, KAMMU, KHAMUK, KAMHMU, KHOMU, MOU, POUTENG, PU THENH, TENH, THENG, LAO TERNG. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khmuic, Mal-Khmu', Khmu.'
 

KHÜN

[KKH] Population total both countries 100,000 (1990 A. Diller ANU). Alternate names: HKUN, KHUN SHAN, KHYN, GON SHAN, TAI KHUN, KHUEN, TAI-KHUEN. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Northwest.
 

KIORR

[XKO] Alternate names: SAAMTAAV, CON, COL. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Angkuic.
 

LAHU

[LAH] 125,000 in Myanmar (1993 Johnstone). Shan State, Kentung area. Alternate names: LOHEI, LAHUNA, LAUNA, MUSEU, MUSSUH, MUHSO, MUSSO. Dialects: NA (BLACK LAHU, MUSSER DAM, NORTHERN LAHU, LOHEIRN), NYI (RED LAHU, SOUTHERN LAHU, MUSSEH DAENG, LUHISHI, LUHUSHI), SHEHLEH. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Lahu.
 

LAHU SHI

[KDS] 10,000 in Myanmar (1998). Kentung District. Alternate names: KUTSUNG, KUCONG, YELLOW LAHU, SHI, KUI, KWI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Lahu.
 

LAMA

[LAY] 3,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Nungish.
 

LAOPANG

[LBG] Alternate names: LAOPA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Unclassified.
 

LASHI

[LSI] 55,500 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Population total both countries 55,500 or more. Alternate names: LASI, LETSI, LECHI, LEQI, LASHI-MARU, CHASHAN, LACHIKWAW, AC'YE, LACID. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern.
 

LISU

[LIS] 126,000 in Myanmar (1987 estimate). Around Lashio, in Wa State, around Myitkyina and Bhamo, around Putar towards Assam border, around Loilem area in Shan States. Alternate names: LISAW, LI-SHAW, LI-HSAW, LU-TZU, SOUTHERN LISU, YAO YEN, YAW-YEN, YAW YIN, YEH-JEH, CENTRAL LISU. Dialects: HWA LISU (FLOWERY LISU), WHITE LISU, LU SHI LISU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Burmese-Lolo, Lolo, Northern, Lisu.
 

LOPI

[LOV] Possibly also in China. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Unclassified.
 

[KHB] 200,000 in Myanmar (1981). Kengtung District. Alternate names: PAI-I, SHU-AI-I, LUE, TAI LU. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Northwest.
 

LUI

[LBA] Small. Alternate names: LOI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Unclassified.
 

LUSHAI

[LSH] 12,500 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Western Myanmar. Alternate names: HUALNGO, WHELNGO, LE, LUSHEI, LUSAI. Dialects: DULIEN, NGENTE, MIZO. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central.
 

MAHEI

[MJA] 12,000. Alternate names: MAHE, MABE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha.
 

MARU

[MHX] 103,600 in Myanmar (1983 census). Population total both countries 103,600 or more. Alternate names: MATU, MALU, LAWNG, LAUNGWAW, LAUNGAW, LANSU, LANG, MULU, DISO, ZI, LHAO VO. Dialects: DAGO' LAWNG BIT, ZAGARAN MRAN, GAWAN NAW', HLO'LAN, LAKING, WA KHAWK, LAWNG HSU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern.
 

MEITEI

[MNR] 6,000 in Myanmar (1931). Alternate names: MEITHEI, MEITHE, MITHE, MITEI, MEITEIRON, MANIPURI, MENIPURI, KATHE, KATHI, PONNA. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Meithei.
 

MOKEN

[MWT] 7,000 in Myanmar (1993 Johnstone). Population total both countries 7,000 or more. Alternate names: MAWKEN, BASING, SELUNG, SELONG, SALONG, SALON, CHAU KO'. Dialects: DUNG, JA-IT, L'BE. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Sundic, Malayic, Moklen.
 

MON

[MNW] 835,100 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Population total both countries 900,000 to 935,000. Alternate names: TALAING, MUN, PEGUAN. Dialects: MATABAN-MOULMEIN (CENTRAL MON, MON TE), PEGU (NORTHERN MON, MON TANG), YE (SOUTHERN MON, MON NYA). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Monic.
 

MRU

[MRO] 20,000 in Myanmar (1999 ABWE). Arakan Hills and adjacent area. Alternate names: MRO, MURUNG, NIOPRENG, MRUNG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Mru.
 

NAGA, KHIAMNIUNGAN

[NKY] Northwestern. Alternate names: KHIAMNGAN, KHIAMNIUNGAN, KALYOKENGNYU, MAKWARE, NOKAW, PARA, PONYO, WELAM. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Konyak.
 

NAGA, TASE

[NST] Northwestern Myanmar. Alternate names: TASE, TASEY, CHAM CHANG, TANGSA, RANGPAN. Dialects: GASHAN, HKALUK, SANGCHE, SAUKRANG, LANGSHIN, MAWRANG, MYIMU, SANGTAI, TULIM, LONGRI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Konyak-Bodo-Garo, Konyak.
 

NORRA

[NOR] 10,000 (1951). Myanmar-Tibet border. Alternate names: NORA, NOZA, NURRA. Dialects: NORA, BYABE, KIZOLO. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Nungish.
 

NUNG

[NUN] North Myanmar. Salween (Nu) River. Alternate names: ANUNG, ANOONG, ANU, NU, LU, LUTZU, LUTZE, KIUTZE, KHANUNG, KWINP'ANG, KHUPANG, KWINGSANG, FUCH'YE. Dialects: CHOLO, GWAZA, MIKO. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Nungish.
 

PALAUNG, PALE

[PCE] 190,000 to 290,000 in Myanmar. Population total all countries 200,000 to 300,000. Alternate names: DI-ANG, NGWE PALAUNG, SILVER PALAUNG, PALE, PALAY. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Palaung.
 

PALAUNG, RUMAI

[RBB] 137,000 in Myanmar. Population total both countries 139,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Alternate names: RUMAI. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Palaung.
 

PALAUNG, SHWE

[SWE] 148,000 in Myanmar (1982). Population total both countries 150,000 (1982). Alternate names: TA-ANG PALAUNG, GOLDEN PALAUNG, SHWE. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Palaung.
 

PALU

[PBZ] Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Unclassified.
 

PANKHU

[PKH] Falam area, Chin Hills. Alternate names: PANKHO, PANKO, PANGKHU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Central.
 

PARAUK

[PRK] 348,400 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Population total both countries 528,400. Alternate names: WA, PRAOK, PHALOK, BARAOG. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Waic, Wa.
 

PURUM

[PUB] 300 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Alternate names: PURAM. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

PYEN

[PYY] 800 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). East central, 2 enclaves very near the Laos border, near the Kha River. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Phunoi.
 

RALTE

[RAL] 16,830 in Myanmar. Population total both countries 17,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

RAWANG

[RAW] Population total both countries 100,000 or more (1980 Seindang Sakram). Alternate names: NUNG RAWANG, GANUNG-RAWANG, HKANUNG, NUNG, KRANGKU, TARON, KIUTZE, CH'OPA, CHIUTSE. Dialects: RAWANG, AGU, HPUNGSI, HTISELWANG, MATWANLY, MUTWANG, SERHTA, SERWANG, WADAMKONG, WAHKE, TARON, TANGSARR, LONGMI (LUNGMI), ZITHUNG, KUNLANG. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Nungish.
 

RIANG

[RIL] 20,000 in Myanmar (1955). Population total both countries 23,000 or more. Alternate names: BLACK KAREN, YANGLAM, BLACK YANG, RIANG-LANG, YIN, YANG, LIANG SEK, YANG WAN KUN. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Riang.
 

SAMTAO

[STU] Population total both countries 100 or more. Alternate names: SAMTAU, SAMTUAN. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Angkuic.
 

SANSU

[SCA] Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Loloish, Southern, Akha, Hani.
 

SHAN

[SJN] 2,920,000 in Myanmar (1993 Johnstone), 6% of the population (1986). Population total all countries 3,000,000 (1999 WA). 350,000 Tai Mao (1990 A. Diller ANU). Alternate names: SHA, TAI SHAN, SAM, THAI YAI, TAI YAI, GREAT THAI, TAI LUANG, 'NGIO', 'NGIOW', 'NGIAW', 'NGIAO', 'NGEO'. Dialects: KOKANT SHAN, TAI MAO (MAO, MAW, MAU, TAI LONG, NORTHERN SHAN). Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Northwest.
 

TAI LOI

[TLQ] Population total both countries 1,500 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Alternate names: LOI, TAILOI, WAKUT, MONGLWE. Dialects: TAI LOI, DOI. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Angkuic.
 

TAI NÜA

[TDD] 72,400 in Myanmar (1983 estimate). Also possibly in northern Viet Nam. Alternate names: TAI NEUA, CHINESE SHAN, TAI KONG. Classification: Tai-Kadai, Kam-Tai, Be-Tai, Tai-Sek, Tai, Southwestern, East Central, Northwest.
 

TAMAN

[TCL] 10,000. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Jingpho-Konyak-Bodo, Jingpho-Luish, Jingpho.
 

TAUNGYO

[TCO] 443,400 (1983 estimate). Vicinity of Taunggyi, Shan State southward to Tavoy, Tenasserim State. Alternate names: TARU, TAVOYA, TAVOYAN, DAWE, DAWAI, TAWE-TAVOY, TORU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern.
 

TAVOYAN

[TVN] Southeast. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern.
 

VO

[WBM] 558,000 in Myanmar (1993 Johnstone). Population total both countries 618,000. Alternate names: WA, K'AWA, KAWA, VA, WA PWI, WAKUT. Dialects: WA LON, WU, KENTUNG WA, SON, EN, LA. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Western Palaungic, Waic, Wa.
 

WELAUNG

[WEL] Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern.
 

WEWAW

[WEA] Toungoo District. Alternate names: WEWAU. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Karen, Sgaw-Bghai, Sgaw.
 

YANGBYE

[YBD] 810,300 (1983 estimate). Alternate names: YANBE, YANGYE, YANBYE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Southern.
 

YINCHIA

[YIN] 4,000 (1974 Hackett). Shan State south. Alternate names: STRIPED KAREN, YINNET, BLACK RIANG, RANEI. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Palaungic, Eastern Palaungic, Riang.
 

YOS

[YOS] 3,400 (1983 estimate). Alternate names: YO, YOTE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

ZAIWA

[ATB] 30,000 in Myanmar (1997). Kachin State, Sedan, Kentung. Alternate names: TSAIWA, ATSI, ATSHI, ATZI, AZI, ACI. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Lolo-Burmese, Burmish, Northern.
 

ZOME

[ZOM] 30,000 in Myanmar. Population total both countries 46,400. Alternate names: ZORNI, ZOMI, ZOU, ZO, KUKI CHIN. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Northern.
 

ZYPHE

[ZYP] Population total both countries 20,000 (1994 IMA). Alternate names: ZOPHEI. Dialects: LOWER ZYPHE, UPPER ZYPHE. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin-Naga, Kuki-Chin, Southern.
 

Extinct languages

PALI

[PLL] Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Unclassified.
 

 

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