Karen, Geba

KVQ

vigorous

Alternate Names: Daneh, Geba, Kaba, Karenbyu, Kayinbyu, Kono, Koo-ong, Northern Bwe

Dialects: Gerkho-Geba, Sawkho, Thamitaik (Sawkeepho). May be same subgroup with Bwe Karen , and Kayaw ,. Some comprehension of Bwe Karen ,. Sawkho and Gerkho-Geba varieties slightly divergent. Lexical similarity: 82%–100% with Bwe Karen ,.

Genealogy:

Sino-Tibetan
Tibeto-Burman
Karenic
Central

Demographics: 40,000 (2010 Geba Literature and Culture Committee).

Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Catholics, Baptists and Anglicans also use Burmese [mya]. 10,000 also use S’gaw Karen [ksw]. Baptists and Anglicans use S’gaw Karen.

Language Development: Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1870–2001.

Writing System: Latin, Myanmar (Burmese)

Nation of Origin: Myanmar

Other Comments: 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 (Roman Catholic), Christian (Protestant).