An Investigation of Intelligibility Between West-Central Thailand Pwo Karen and Northern Pwo Karen

This paper presents the results of intelligibility testing between two Pwo Karen speech varieties spoken in Thailand: West-Central Thailand Pwo Karen and Northern Pwo Karen. These two language varieties are considered by some to be separate languages, while others consider them dialects of the same language. The purpose of the research was to determine whether a lack of intelligibility between West-Central Thailand Pwo Karen and Northern Pwo Karen makes separate vernacular literature necessary. The methodology used was recorded text testing. The results show a lack of intelligibility in both directions, which indicates a likely need for separate vernacular literature.