Sociolinguistic Survey of the Chin Speech Varieties Spoken along the Dalet Stream, Ann Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar

Abstract

This report presents the results of a sociolinguistic survey fieldwork trip to the language groups along the Dalet Stream in Ann Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar. The primary purpose of this survey was to determine the need for additional language development among these speakers. A secondary purpose was to investigate how ready these groups are for language development and how unified they are. The third purpose was to determine how many and which varieties might best be selected for additional literature development among these groups. The survey team investigated these questions through wordlists, questionnaires, participatory tools, and recorded text testing (RTT). The team learned that the Dalet Stream people are not adequately served by Burmese literature. There is a need and desire for additional vernacular language development. The Dalet Stream people are interested in literature development; however, promotion is needed. Language vitality is robust among most speech varieties, and there is a sizable population of speakers. Some educated people are interested in helping develop literature to maintain their people group’s culture and language. However, interest in language development and literacy must still be built in the broader community.