Nga La language

Nga La
Matu Chin
RegionMyanmar, India
EthnicityMatupi
Native speakers
30,000 (2012)
Language codes
ISO 639-3hlt – inclusive code
Individual code:
weu – Rawngtu Chin
Glottologngal1291

Nga La, also known as Matu Chin, is a Kuki-Chin spoken in Matupi township, Chin State, Myanmar, and also in Mizoram, India by the Matu people. Matu is the most commonly spoken language in Matupi Township outside of Burmese language, which is the official language of Myanmar. A written script for Matu was created in 1954 by Rev. Johnson and Rev. Ngai Tim.

The Matu dialects share 78%–89% lexical similarity. Matu shares 66%–71% lexical similarity with Thaiphum Chin.

Rawngtu Chin is spoken in Mindat township, Chin State, as well as in 2 villages of Htilin township, Magway Region. The Rawngtu dialects, which include Kyonnam, Welaung, Boishi, and Shitwanu, share 90% lexical similarity. The Kyonnam variety is adequately comprehended by most Rawngtu, but not by the Matu, who do not self-identify as Rawngtu. Rawngtu shares 84%–89% lexical similarity with Matupi Daai, 67%–74% with Kaang Chin, 71%–83% with Matu dialects, and less than 70% with Rungtu.