Language (Representing the Khongso)

 Words / Pronunciation

The Asang(Khongso) language, representing the Khongso people, uses English alphabet letters as its writing system.

1. Basic Vowels

Like English, it has 5 vowels: A, E, I, O, U.

Each vowel has two sounds: a short sound and a long sound.

Vowel# #Short Sound Example  &. Long Sound Example

A short "a" (like pa = father) pa long "aa" papar = dad

E short "e" (like et = cut) et long "ay" kabe = heat

I short "i" (like ih = sleep) ih long "ii" takhii = wind

O short "oh" (like oh = exist) oh long "oo" angpho = tired/weak

U short "u" (like ut = sink) ut long "uu" tuu = forest/sheep

Note: Long vowels can be written by repeating the vowel (aa, ee, ii, oo, uu).

2. Diphthongs (Vowel Combinations)

When two vowels combine, they create a new sound.

Diphthong Pronunciation Example

ai like “ai” in eye kai = I/me

ae like “ay” in say mae = one/mountain (meaning changes by sentence)

au like “aw” in cow Naut = to rot/decay

aw like “aw” in saw taw = in the forest/mountains

ue sound not found in Burmese tuemuer = voice shaking

ui like “wee” ui/tui = dog/water

oe sound not found in Burmese khoeh = strong

oi like “oy” in boy kaoi = to yearn/long for

oa like “aw” (similar to au) loa = is/are (e.g., nang loa = you are)

3. Verb Placement

Verb position changes depending on the sentence type.

General rule: verbs usually come at the end.

(a) Normal Sentence (Main Clause)

Kai buh cak. → I eat rice.

(Subject + Object + Verb)

Kai khawnbuh cak tahae. → I am eating breakfast.

Nopa cae lawk ah khawnthawdhet cae o. → Father and mother went early to the farm.

(Subject + Place + Time + Verb)

(b) Imperative (Command Sentence)

Cak karang. → Eat quickly. (Verb + Adverb)

Caeh hmahloeh. → Go ahead. (Verb + Preposition)

(c) Subordinate Clause

Ngam nat cadoeh buh kacak. → Even though I’m sick, I eat rice.

Kho angzoh pongah hlawk caeh thai ai. → Because it rains, I cannot go to the farm.

4. Polite Particles & Expression

Using certain ending particles makes speech sound polite or respectful. Without them, speech can sound rude or harsh depending on the speaker’s tone.

Examples:

1. Hu ah Ka caeh toeng bae.

→ I also went there.

Hu ah = there, Ka caeh = went, toeng = also, bae = polite ending.

2. Ngamtui o boih bae.

→ Everyone is fine.

Ngamtui = fine, o boih = everyone, bae = polite ending.

3. Nang tahan ka kanawh pae moa ang paek caloi bae.

→ I apologize to you (I’m asking forgiveness and offering it).

Nang = you, tahan = for, kanawh pae = request/apologize, moa = because, angpaek = give, caloi = offer.

✅ Summary:

Asang(Khongso) language uses English alphabet letters.

Vowels have short and long sounds.

Vowel combinations form new sounds (diphthongs).

Verb position changes with sentence type (main clause, imperative, subordinate).

Adding polite particles like “bae” makes speech more respectful.