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According to Encyclopedia Brittanica, "scholars believe the Karen languages to be related to the Tibeto-Burman group of the Sino-Tibetan language family, but the relationship does not appear to be a close one. Languages of the Karen group have been greatly influenced by languages of the Tai and Austro-Asiatic families".

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Karen-languages

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Table of Contents

Karen languages, languages spoken in lower Myanmar (Burma) and on the borders of Thailand. The Karen languages are usually divided into three groups: northern (including Taungthu), central (including Bwe and Geba), and southern (including Pwo and Sgaw); only Pwo and Sgaw of the southern group have written forms.

Leading scholars believe the Karen languages to be related to the Tibeto-Burman group of the Sino-Tibetan language family, but the relationship does not appear to be a close one. Languages of the Karen group have been greatly influenced by languages of the Tai and Austro-Asiatic families.

Distinctive features of the Karen languages include the use of tones to distinguish between words with identical sequences of consonants and vowels and the placing of the verb between the subject and object (in other Tibeto-Burman languages the verb occurs after the subject and object).

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Karen languages | Burma, Thailand, Mon-Khmer

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Karen languages, languages spoken in lower Myanmar (Burma) and on the borders of Thailand. The Karen languages are usually divided into three groups: northern (including Taungthu), central (including Bwe and Geba), and southern (including Pwo and Sgaw); only Pwo and Sgaw of the southern group have

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The Sound of the Eastern Sgaw Karen language (Numbers, Greetings, Words & Sample Text)

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Summarization of Key Political and Cultural Facts 

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Summarization of Key Political and Cultural Facts 

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While the Karen people are recognized as one specific Ethno-Nationality, it is important to exemplify the multicultural subsections found throughout this community! The Karen people differ widely and many different community groups would not consider themselves similar to one another. It's needless to say the Karenic Diaspora is a vast kaleidoscope of cultures and and perceived beliefs!

The name "Karen" is an anglicized word that refers to the word "Kayin." Speculation surrounding the origins of this would be murky at best, however, some believe that it was a term of othering non-Buddhist individuals in the Myanmar region.

Like many different countries, Myanmar (and subsequently the Karen People) were forced and subjugated to British rule, which in turn, led to the introduction of Christianity to the region. However, in 1948 after the Japanese occupation during WWII, Myanmar was granted sovereign independence.

Politics:

Presidential Republic, however, the military took over the government in 2021, which then resulted in anti-coup protesters.

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On Nov 21st, 2024 KOM (Karen Organization of Minnesota) will host their annual gala at the Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center

KOM offers after-school youth development programs, social services, and programs to help Karens get jobs

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Every year, KOM holds an annual gala to celebrate the success of KOM and the people we serve. The gala is open to all supporters […]

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Culturally Relevant Resources and Local Orgs

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Culturally Relevant Resources and Local Orgs

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Although not books/videos, these are resources that would be helpful. They are located in MN and would be a great way to bring in the community!

Karen Culture Organization of Minnesota is a Karen-led nonprofit that focuses on preserving Karen art and culture through traditional dance and other performances.

The Urban Village is a Karen and Karenni community space designed to cultivate connection, collaboration, and kinship both inside and outside its walls.

The Karen Football Association (KFA) is based in the United States and is the official governing body of the Karen Women’s and Men’s National Soccer Teams. KFA aims to develop a program that unites the community’s passion for football with the importance of gender equity.

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Restaurants and Grocery Stores Owned by Karens

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Restaurants and Grocery Stores Owned by Karens

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Restaurants

Karen Thai Food – 300 Larpenteur Ave E, Saint Paul, MN 55117

Friends Café – 1711 Rice St, Saint Paul, MN 55113

Asian Fusion Kitchen – 1700 Rice Street, Suite G, Saint Paul MN 55113

Grocery Stores

Karen Groceries, Inc – 162 W Pennsylvania Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55103

Shwe Karen Market & Deli – 230 Front Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55117

Kwe Ka Baung Grocery – 1133 Rice St, Saint Paul, MN 55117

Mae La Grocery, Inc – 1101 Rice St North, St Paul, MN 55117

https://mnkaren.org/resources/karen-owned-businesses/

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Karen-owned Businesses - Karen Organization of Minnesota

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There are over 20,000 Karen people and other refugees from Burma living in St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville, and the surrounding area. Since the first Karen […]

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This resource from the Karen Organization of Minnesota provides some context on Karen migration experiences, along with additional historical context.

The precise origins of the Karen people are not well-known (few written records). However, they began to inhabit Burma (aka Myanmar) about 2000 years ago.

Throughout their history, they have faced persecution from the politically and culturally dominant Burmese, particularly during and after World War II.

The conflict and oppression the Karen experienced in Burma have operated as "push factors", and many Karen have fled to third countries, including the United States.

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Karen History - Karen Organization of Minnesota

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Migration to Burma There are few written records of the Karen origin story. The Karen people began to inhabit what eventually became Burma about two […]

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Languages: S'gaw Karen (spoken in Burma and Thailand)

Religion: The Karen people practice Buddhism and Christianity as well as Animism. Animists believe in helpful female, guardian spirits called Ther Myng Khae, the “lord of land and water". Karens value religious diversity.

Literacy: Literacy varies by location - with low infrastructure there is low literacy rates

Family: Karen families are cross generational and men and women are seen as equal.

https://mnkaren.org/history-culture/karen-culture/religion/

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Religion - Karen Organization of Minnesota

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Religion “Religion is far more important for most Karen than it is for most Westerners. Religion is not just a matter of belief: religion may […]