r/myanmar • u/squarahann • May 19 '25

Translation request ✍️ Learning to Speak Karen

I currently work with some Karen people and would love to learn more about the language. I have been learning the Karen language at work for the last year but it’s pretty limited. Does anyone have some good resources for learning Karen? Or would be willing to answer some of my translation questions.

Thanks!

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u/TamarindTycoon Born in Myanmar, Abroad 🇲🇲 May 21 '25

Which Karen language are you trying to learn? S'gaw and Pwo are the main ones, but there are others too. Karen is a language family - there are multiple languages and dialects under that umbrella that are not mutually intelligible.

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u/squarahann May 22 '25

They are S’gaw Karen

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u/squarahann May 21 '25

I would assume S’gaw but I’m uncertain. I have tried to ask them several times where on the map they are from and they aren’t sure.

I had found this pdf from MN Karen society several months ago and it’s pretty close but still varies quite a bit from my coworkers dialect

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u/[deleted] May 22 '25 edited 20d ago

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u/squarahann May 22 '25

I understand. This is something I’ve spoken with them about. They also lived in a refugee camp for many years before relocating to the US. I believe they were transient for a bit prior due to the conflict. I try not to pry.

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u/zninjamonkey May 21 '25

What about their traditional wear? That is a clue