Alternate Names: Burmese Karen, Kanyaw, Kayinpyu, Kyetho, Paganyaw, Pchcknya, Pwakanyaw, S’gau, S’gaw, S’gaw Kayin, White Karen, Yang Khao
Dialects: Delta dialect of S’gaw Karen, Eastern dialect of S’gaw Karen (Pa’an), Southern dialect of Western Kayah (Dawei). Reportedly similar to Paku Karen ,.
Status Notes: S’gaw Karen used in the church domain for many Karen languages.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 1,280,000 in Myanmar (1983 census). Population total all countries: 1,480,000. L2 users: 80,000 in Myanmar (2013 SIL).
Language Use: Most communities vigiorous; some shift toward Burmese [mya]. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use Burmese [mya], Pwo Eastern Karen [kjp], Pwo Western Karen [pwo]. Used as L2 by Bwe Karen [bwe], Eastern Kayah [eky], Geba Karen [kvq], Geko Karen [ghk], Kayan [pdu], Kayaw [kvl], Manumanaw [kxf], Mobwa Karen [jkm], Paku Karen [jkp], Western Kayah [kyu], Yintale [kvy].
Language Development: Some literacy classes. Magazines. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1853–1995.
Typology: SVO.
Writing System: Myanmar (Burmese)
Nation of Origin: Myanmar
Other Comments: Buddhist, Christian (Protestant), traditional religion.