Mon-Khmer - Definition and Overview

The Mon-Khmer languages are the autochthonous languages of Indo-China. Together with the Munda languages of India, they compose the Austroasiatic phylum of languages. They comprise eleven distinct groups:

• Vietnamese in Vietnam (70 million speakers)
• Khmer (or Cambodian) in Cambodia (7 million)
• Aslian languages in peninsular Malaya, split into three groups, Jahaic, Senoic and Semelaic. They are under pressure from Malay.
• Xmu or Khmu in northern Laos
• Katu in central Laos
• Bahnar in southern Laos
• Mon in the lower Salween, Burma (1 million).
• Wa in the upper Salween, Sino-Burmese border.
• Khasi in Meghalaya, India.
• Nicobarese on the Nicobar Islands.
• Pear is a remnant on the Cambodian coast.
• Palaung (Ta-ang) in northern Thailand