Alternate Names: Lava, Lavüa, “Lua” (pej.), Luwa, L’wa, Mae Hong Son Lawa, Mountain Lawa, Omphai Lawa
Dialects: La-up, Northern Western Lawa, Omphai. Each village has a distinct accent. Ban Kok Luang, a village of the Northern group, has the most distinct dialect.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 8,000 (Nahhas 2007). Ethnic population: 8,500. L2 users: Some who marry into the community learn to speak it.
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains except government and education, which are in Central Thai [tha]. All ages. Some older adults also use Sgaw Karen [ksw]. Also use Northern Thai [nod], Thai [tha].
Language Development: Literacy in Mae Hong Son Lawa more common among Christians. Literacy in Central Thai has become more common as education becomes more available. Poetry. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 2001.
Writing System: Thai
Nation of Origin: Thailand
Other Comments: Orthography and literature based on Ban La-up dialect. Traditional religion, Buddhist, Christian.