A Study of the Wa-LaWa Origin and Orthography
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Abstract
The absence of Wa-LaWa terms in any written records makes it extremely difficult to provide an authentic account of the Wa people. During the period of our study, the Wa-LaWa did not form a homogeneous group with a single culture. Instead, they were divided into a large number of sub-tribes, each with varied customs and dialects. Hence, this paper attempts a comparative study of ethnic tribes to shed light on the early homeland of the Wa. Additionally, the Wa-LaWa people are a minority ethnic group living in Southeast Asia. They are considered the original inhabitants of mainland Southeast Asia and refer to themselves as Wa or LaWa. Most Wa people reside in Myanmar and China, with some LaWa villages found in Thailand as well. However, the majority of Wa communities are located in Myanmar. Geographically, the Wa people inhabit the region between 22½ and 23½ degrees north latitude and between 98½ and 94½ degrees east longitude. Finally, the Wa-LaWa people typically inhabit mountainous areas, with most of their villages situated on hilltops. As a result, transportation and communication are particularly challenging for the Wa-LaWa people in remote areas.
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