Alternate Names: Kayang, Ka-Yun, Lahwi, “Long-Necked Karen” (pej.), “Padaung” (pej.), “Padaung Karen” (pej.)
Dialects: Kayan Kangan (Yeinbaw, Yinbaw), Kayan Lahwi, Standard Pekon. Significant dialectal variation. Most seem to understand standard Pekon (prestige) dialect. Lexical similarity: more than 90% among dialects, 71%–76% with Lahta ,.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 133,000 in Myanmar (2005 E. Phan). Population total all countries: 133,180.
Language Use: Vigorous in most areas, but in some larger towns, children are no longer learning it. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Other religions also use Burmese [mya]. 15,000 also use S’gaw Karen [ksw]. Used as L2 by Lahta [kvt], Zayein [kxk].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: Below 5%. Literacy classes in some communities. Poetry. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 2009–2011.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Myanmar
Other Comments: Christian (Roman Catholic), Buddhist, Christian (Protestant).