Preserving Karen Language and Culture
KCAP’s weekly Karen language and culture classes work to preserve Karen language and cultural knowledge among the first generation of Karen people growing up in the United States.
Karen languages are spoken in lower Burma and Northern Thailand. Karen languages are part of the Sino-Tibetan language family. The most common Karen language is S’gaw Karen. Pwo Karen is the second largest Karen language.
There is no online translation engine for the Karen language, and they are not on Google Translate, making language access a challenge for Karen refugees. There are also very few Karen language learning resources, but KCAP staff have created Karen language curricula and teach Karen language classes once a week at a beginner and advanced level to preserve our language and culture here in the United States.
A total of $5,000 yearly is required to facilitate this free Karen language program. $100 covers one week of beginner and advanced Karen language classes. $25 covers one student’s Karen language textbook and workbook.
Graduates of the 2025 Karen language and culture class celebrate their achievement!