Karen People

An ethnic group from the highlands of Myanmar and Thailand, the Karen people have preserved a rich cultural heritage, distinct language, and unique scripts.
The Karen languages are spoken by the Karen people, primarily residing in Myanmar and parts of Thailand.
They belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family, specifically under the Tibeto-Burman branch > Karenic subgroup. As of 2017 estimates, the total number of Karen language speakers is around 4.5 million.
The three primary dialects (or languages) are:

• Sgaw Karen – approx. 2.2 million speakers (~50%)
• Pwo Karen – approx. 1.525 million speakers (~33%)
• Pa’O Karen – approx. 860,000 speakers (~19%)

Most Karen speakers live in southeastern Myanmar, particularly in Kayin State, Kayah State, and southern Shan State, extending to the Ayeyarwady Delta and Tanintharyi Region.
There are also significant Karen communities in the border regions of Thailand.

en.wikipedia.org

The Karen National Flag: Symbolism, Design, and Cultural Significance

The Karen national flag is a symbol of unity, identity, and cultural heritage for the Karen people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Myanmar (Burma). Used widely across religious and political lines within the Karen community, this flag visually conveys the historical values, spiritual beliefs, and aspirations of the Karen nation.

Design and Visual Features

The Karen flag is a horizontal tricolor composed of red, white, and blue stripes, with a distinct emblem in the top-left corner (canton). This canton features a rising red sun with nine rays and a golden frog drum flanked by buffalo horns and adorned with a frog motif. The frog drum, a traditional Karen instrument, sits at the center of the sun, and the design as a whole is deeply symbolic.

Colors and Symbolism

Emblems and Their Meanings

Historical Background

The Karen national flag was created in the 1930s during the British colonial era. In 1935, the Burmese Parliament approved a public competition for a Karen national flag design. Among over 100 submissions, the winning design came from Mann Ba Khin, secretary of the Karen National Association (KNA). His design incorporated the golden frog drum. Elements from other finalist designs, such as the rising sun and white elephant, were also integrated into the final flag.

The flag was first officially raised in 1937 during the Karen New Year celebration in Yangon (then Rangoon). It quickly became a symbol of ethnic pride and solidarity. After Burma gained independence in 1948, the Karen National Union (KNU) launched a resistance movement seeking autonomy and recognition. The Karen flag became a symbol of this movement and was subsequently banned by the Burmese authorities.

Despite the ban, Karen people continued to display the flag at cultural and religious events, especially during the annual Karen New Year. It remains an important expression of Karen identity, both inside Myanmar and in the global Karen diaspora.

Relation to Official State Flags and Variants

It’s important to distinguish the Karen national flag from the official flag of Karen (Kayin) State in Myanmar. The state flag consists of horizontal blue-white-red stripes with a white star in the canton, reflecting affiliation with the Union of Myanmar. In contrast, the Karen national flag features a rising sun and frog drum, with strong cultural and historical symbolism.

While some factions like the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) have used variant flags with Buddhist colors or alternative designs, the tricolor flag with sun and drum remains the widely recognized ethnic flag of the Karen people.

Cultural and Modern Significance

The Karen flag transcends religious lines. Both Buddhist and Christian Karen people honor the flag as a symbol of shared identity and tradition. During Karen New Year, people salute the flag at dawn and hold ceremonies where strings are tied to wrists in a ritual of blessing and community bonding.

Even in exile, refugees and members of the Karen diaspora raise this flag in community centers, churches, and commemorative events. It symbolizes hope, resilience, and the enduring dream of Kawthoolei—a homeland of peace, dignity, and freedom.

The flag stands not only as a visual emblem but also as a vessel of Karen history, struggle, and pride. Its elements—colors, sun, drum, horns, and frog—each tell a story that continues to unify Karen people across borders and generations.

Language

The Karen languages belong to the Sino-Tibetan family. The two main varieties are S'gaw and Pwo. These languages are still spoken in remote villages, though they are endangered.

Sgaw Karen

Sgaw Karen is one of the major Karenic languages and is classified under the Sino-Tibetan > Tibeto-Burman > Karenic group. With about 2.2 million speakers, it makes up nearly half of the total Karen-speaking population.
It is widely spoken in southern and southeastern Myanmar, including Tanintharyi Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Yangon Region, and Bago Region, as well as parts of Kayin State.
In Thailand, there are an estimated 200,000 Sgaw Karen speakers, mostly residing in the northern and western border areas.
Historically, Sgaw Karen has served as a de facto lingua franca in Karen-majority areas, including in administrative contexts within the Karen National Union (KNU) territories. en.wikipedia.org

Pwo Karen

Pwo Karen is another major branch of Karenic languages, consisting of several sub-dialects such as Eastern Pwo and Western Pwo, which are often not mutually intelligible.
It is spoken by around 1.525 million people in Myanmar and about 50,000 in Thailand.
The main areas of usage include Mon State, Tanintharyi Region, and Ayeyarwady Delta.
Pwo Karen speakers coexist with Sgaw speakers in many regions, and they make up approximately one-third of all Karen language users. en.wikipedia.org ​languagesgulper.com folkcostume.blogspot.com

Pa’O Karen (Taungthu)

Pa’O Karen, also known as Taungthu or "Black Karen", is a distinct language within the Karenic group.
It has about 860,000 speakers in Myanmar, mainly from the Pa’O ethnic group, whose population is around 900,000.
It is spoken in Shan State (especially around Taunggyi), Kayah State, eastern Kayin State, and Mon State.
While there are a few speakers in northern Thailand (e.g., Mae Hong Son Province), the number is very small.
Pa’O Karen is not mutually intelligible with Sgaw or Pwo Karen. It features its own script, a modified form based on Burmese script, making it unique among the Karenic languages. ​​​en.wikipedia.org omniglot.com

Common Greetings and Everyday Expressions in the Karen Languages (Sgaw, Pwo, and Pa’O Karen)

This guide introduces practical greetings and everyday expressions in three major Karen languages: Sgaw Karen, Pwo Karen, and Pa’O Karen. Each phrase includes the pronunciation and English/Japanese equivalents. The focus is on phrases that are commonly used and easy for learners to begin using in daily conversation.

Hello (Good afternoon / general greeting)

Sgaw Karen: Ni luh a ghay (pronounced: ni-luh-a-gai)
Pwo Karen: Aw so la sik (pronounced: aw-so-la-sik)
Pa’O Karen: O-haun ne (pronounced: oh-houn-neh)
Japanese: こんにちは
English: Hello / Good afternoon

Good Morning

Sgaw Karen: Ghaw luh a ghay (pronounced: gaw-luh-a-gai)
Pwo Karen: [Generally uses Burmese greetings such as "Mingalaba nan-net khin par"]
Pa’O Karen: [Typically uses Burmese "Mingalaba"]
Japanese: おはようございます
English: Good morning

Good Evening

Sgaw Karen: Ha luh a ghay (pronounced: ha-luh-a-gai)
Pwo Karen / Pa’O Karen: [No common native phrase; Burmese greetings often used]
Japanese: こんばんは
English: Good evening

Good Night

Sgaw Karen: Na luh a ghay (pronounced: na-luh-a-gai)
Pwo Karen / Pa’O Karen: [No specific expression; often expressed through gestures or Burmese phrases]
Japanese: おやすみなさい
English: Good night

Nice to meet you / Please treat me well

Sgaw Karen: Tee ban a tha khu doh mah (pronounced: tee-ban-a-tha-khoo-doh-mah)
Pwo Karen: Ya dar bar na ya tha kwee (pronounced: ya-dar-bar-na-ya-tha-kwee)
Pa’O Karen: [No fixed native expression; Burmese substitutes often used]
Japanese: よろしくお願いします / 初めまして
English: Nice to meet you / Please treat me well

Delicious

Sgaw Karen: Wee doh mah (pronounced: wee-doh-mah)
Pwo Karen: Ta blɯ́ (pronounced: ta-blú) [also used to say "thank you"]
Pa’O Karen: [No widely recorded direct term; often conveyed through expressions or Burmese substitutes]
Japanese: おいしい
English: Delicious / Tasty

Fun / Enjoyable

Sgaw Karen: Ya oh k’ba law (pronounced: ya-oh-k'ba-law) [literally: I am happy]
Pwo Karen: Ya mee pla kaw (pronounced: ya-mee-pla-kaw) [literally: I feel good]
Pa’O Karen: [No specific word; general happiness often expressed through smiling or satisfaction words]
Japanese: たのしい
English: Fun / Enjoyable

Thank You

Sgaw Karen: Ta bluh doh mah (pronounced: ta-bluh-doh-mah)
Pwo Karen: Ta blɯ́ (pronounced: ta-blú)
Pa’O Karen: [Often uses Burmese "chei zu tin ba de"]
Japanese: ありがとう
English: Thank you

Goodbye

Sgaw Karen: Thay blut may law (pronounced: thay-blut-may-law) [literally: go and come back]
Pwo Karen / Pa’O Karen: [No standard term; gestures or "see you again" phrases in Burmese are common]
Japanese: さようなら
English: Goodbye / See you

How are you?

Sgaw Karen: Na oh sue oh klay ah? (pronounced: na-oh-sue-oh-klai-ah)
Pwo Karen: Nə̀ oh chù ah? (pronounced: nə̀-oh-chù-ah)
Pa’O Karen: [No fixed native question form; Burmese expressions like "Nei kaung la?" used]
Japanese: げんきですか？
English: How are you?

These greetings represent a practical starting point for learning the Karen languages and provide a glimpse into the cultural values and communication styles of the Karen peoples. While not all expressions have a direct equivalent in every language, understanding and practicing these phrases is a valuable way to connect with Karen speakers respectfully.

Script

The S'gaw Karen language uses a script derived from the Burmese alphabet. Some communities also use Latin-based orthographies for literacy and religious purposes.

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Writing Systems of the Karen Languages

The major Karen dialects—Sgaw Karen, Pwo Karen, and Pa’O Karen—each have their own writing systems. Below is a detailed explanation of the characteristics and origins of these scripts.

Sgaw Karen Script

The Sgaw Karen script was developed in the 1830s by American missionary Jonathan Wade. It is an abugida based on the Burmese script, with additional symbols created to represent tones unique to the Karen language.
While this script is widely used in Christian contexts (especially for the Bible and educational materials), Buddhist communities also use a variant called Letalanyah (also spelled Letaranya), which has gained attention in recent years as a culturally significant alternative.

Pwo Karen Scripts

Pwo Karen has two main script traditions depending on religious affiliation:
1.Buddhist Pwo Karen Script – developed in the mid-19th century based on the Mon script, used for writing Buddhist texts.
2.Christian Pwo Karen Script – created in the 1840s by American Baptist missionaries, based on the Burmese script.

Additionally, there's a lesser-known indigenous script called Leke Script, developed between 1830 and 1860. It is used in some Eastern Pwo-speaking communities and is unique in its visual form and religious significance.

Pa’O Karen Script

Pa’O Karen (also known as Taungthu) uses a writing system based on the Burmese script, modified for its specific phonetic and tonal features. This script was developed by Christian missionaries and is now widely used for religious and educational publications.
The Pa’O script includes unique tone markers to distinguish it from standard Burmese, making it a distinct and culturally important system.

Cultural Significance

These writing systems vary across regions, religious backgrounds, and Karen subgroups. Each has evolved independently, reflecting the diversity of Karen culture. The form and use of the script often mirror historical and religious influences, showcasing the rich identity and resilience of the Karen people.

Lekwaikaw: A new "ancient" writing system of Karen 世界の言葉 Leke script Eastern Pwo Karen Lekwaikaw: A new “ancient” writing system of Karen -Atsuhiko KATO- Pwo Karen writing systems -Atsuhiko Kato-

Region

Continent: Asia
Region: Myanmar (Burma), Thailand

Language Origin

The Karen languages are thought to have evolved within the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.

Origins and Characteristics of the Karen Languages (Sgaw, Pwo, and Pa’O Karen)

Language Family Classification

The Karen languages belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family, specifically under the Tibeto-Burman branch. Within this branch, they form a distinct subgroup called the Karenic languages. The three major languages in this group are:

• Sgaw Karen
• Pwo Karen
• Pa’O Karen

These are sometimes grouped into "Southern Karen" (Sgaw and Pwo) and "Northern Karen" (Pa’O). Despite being called "dialects" in some contexts, they are considered mutually unintelligible and linguistically distinct languages.

Origins and Historical Development

Karen-speaking peoples are primarily located in southeastern Myanmar and western Thailand. Theories suggest they originally migrated from Tibet or Central Asia, later moving south through southern China into Southeast Asia. Historical records suggest the Karen arrived in their current region after the Mon but before the Burmans, likely around the 6th–10th centuries CE.
Due to contact with neighboring groups, especially the Mon and Thai, the Karen languages have absorbed numerous lexical and syntactic influences. For instance, Karen languages use SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) word order, unlike most Tibeto-Burman languages, which are SOV (Subject-Object-Verb). This is likely a result of Mon and Tai language influence.
Many core vocabulary items in Karen languages are Mon borrowings, indicating long-term historical contact. More recent borrowings from Burmese and Thai also reflect ongoing influence, particularly in modern spoken forms.

Linguistic Characteristics

• Tonal Languages: All Karen languages are tonal. Sgaw typically has 5–6 tones, while Pa’O has 4 tones.
• SVO Word Order: Unlike most Tibeto-Burman languages, Karen languages follow Subject-Verb-Object word order.
• Phonology: Consonant distinctions include aspirated vs. unaspirated stops. Vowels include short/long contrasts.
• Morphology: Generally isolating, with limited use of inflection. Grammatical relationships are expressed through word order and particles.

Karen languages exhibit considerable influence from neighboring Mon-Khmer and Tai languages in terms of vocabulary, tone systems, and grammatical structures.

Relationships Among Sgaw, Pwo, and Pa’O Karen

Language	Branch	Estimated Speakers	Tone System	Writing System
Sgaw Karen	Southern Karen	2 million	5–6 tones	Karen script (based on Burmese)
Pwo Karen	Southern Karen	1.5 million	4–5 tones	Karen script (Burmese-based)
Pa’O Karen	Northern Karen	0.9 million	4 tones	Modern adaptations of Burmese script

Mutual intelligibility among these languages is low. For example, the word for "water" is:

Meaning	Sgaw	Pwo	Pa’O
Water	eʔ	hɛʔ	namʰ

Each has evolved differently despite common ancestral roots, influenced by geography, neighboring cultures, and religious affiliations. While Sgaw and Pwo share more features due to proximity and shared Mon influence, Pa’O stands apart both geographically and linguistically.
Karen languages also differ in their tone systems and phonological rules. For instance, Pa’O retains some voiced-unvoiced contrasts lost in Sgaw and Pwo. In terms of script, all three languages now use Burmese-based scripts, but Pa’O had no traditional writing system until modern adaptations were introduced.

These distinctions highlight the rich linguistic diversity within the Karenic group and the complex interplay of historical migration, contact, and adaptation.
​en.wikipedia.org minorityrights.org britannica.com languagesgulper.com

Traditional Games

One traditional game involves balance and rhythm called "Takraw Karen" — similar to sepak takraw, but played with handmade rattan balls and sung instructions. Videos and tutorials coming soon.

Karen Traditional Game: Karen Takraw

Overview (What is Karen Takraw?)

「"Karen Takraw" is a traditional ball game cherished by young people in Karen communities.
While similar to Thailand's Speak Takraw, this game has unique Karen cultural elements, such as handmade equipment, rhythmic coordination, and ceremonial contexts.
It emphasizes cooperation, rhythm, and cultural celebration rather than competition.

Equipment Used

・A handmade rattan ball, woven from bamboo or vine.
・Played on flat open ground, such as dirt or bamboo flooring.
　※These balls are often crafted within the community, and some regions decorate them with colored patterns.

How to Play (Basic Rules)

・Typically played in groups of 3 to 5 people, forming a circle.
・Players use only feet, knees, shoulders, and head to keep the ball in the air.
・The game focuses on passing the ball in rhythm without letting it drop.
・More than a competitive sport, it highlights coordination and teamwork.
🎵 During festivals, the game may be played to the rhythm of drums or traditional songs, creating a dance-like atmosphere.

Cultural Background and Role

・Commonly played during Karen New Year and harvest festivals.
・Played by both men and women, often serving as a space for social interaction among youth.
・Encourages physical agility and community bonding.
While not a religious ritual, it is sometimes played in sacred or ceremonial settings, giving it a deeper cultural meaning beyond simple recreation.

Differences from Similar Games

Aspect	Sepak Takraw (Thailand)	Karen Takraw
Court	Net, competitive matches	Circular, cooperative play
style	Acrobatic, high energy	Smooth, rhythmic focus
Goal	Score points, win	Enjoyment, unity
Equipment	Factory-made ball	Handmade rattan ball

Recent Developments

・Introduced in schools as a local heritage sport in Myanmar and Thailand.
・Youth have begun sharing videos on social media, reviving interest.
・Practiced by Karen diaspora as a way to maintain cultural identity.

This traditional game serves not only as a form of physical activity but also as a vital expression of Karen unity, tradition, and joy.

Introduction video

Sources (International Databases)

Language

・Ethnologue (26th ed., 2023) – Sgaw Karen, Pwo Karen, Pa’O Karen speaker statistics
・Glottolog – Linguistic classification of Karenic languages
・Omniglot – Overview of Pa’O Karen and its writing system
・UNESCO, Wikipedia (EN), and Language Gulper for cross-referencing speaker distribution and classification
​​​en.wikipedia.org omniglot.com ​languagesgulper.com folkcostume.blogspot.com

Common Greetings and Everyday Expressions in the Karen Languages (Sgaw, Pwo, and Pa’O Karen)

​en.wikipedia.org https://mnkaren.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Basic-Karen-Language-Phrases.pdf ​mnkaren.org ​minolityofthailand.wordpress.com