Karen, Geko

GHK

vigorous

Alternate Names: Gaikho, Gekho, Gek’o, Ghekhol, Ghekhu, Gheko, Kakhau, Kayan, Kayan Kakhau, Kekaungdu, Kekhong, Keku, Yathu Gekho

Dialects: Geker, Gekho, Thaidai (Htideh).

Genealogy:

Sino-Tibetan
Tibeto-Burman
Karenic
Central

Demographics: 17,000 (Manson 2010).

Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. 5,000 also use S’gaw Karen [ksw]. Also use Burmese [mya].

Typology: SVO.

Writing System: Unwritten

Nation of Origin: Myanmar

Other Comments: Geko Karen is often considered a sub-variety or clan of Kayan ,. Geko Karen and Geba Karen , are grouped together in the local Baptist Association administration and are often considered to be the same language (Geko-Geba), although they are distinct. Christian.