Chin-Laitu — Laitu (Daitu) Scripture Portions (Myanmar)
Overview
Chin-Laitu is the Gospel of Luke in the Laitu Chin language of southern Chin State and adjoining Rakhine State, Myanmar, published by Dhamma Mate Swe Association (DMS) and available via YouVersion/Bible.com (ID 4157). Known by speakers as Daitu, the Laitu Chin community is part of the Asho/Cho sub-group of Kuki-Chin languages, sharing geographic and linguistic territory with Asho Chin, Sumtu (csv), Ekai (cey), and Songlai (csj). DMS published Luke translations in all of these closely related languages as part of a single publishing campaign (YouVersion IDs 4155-4161), providing first scripture for multiple small Chin communities simultaneously. The Laitu are predominantly Buddhist, and this Luke translation is the first scripture in their heart language.
Language and People
Laitu Chin (ISO 639-3: clj; autonym: Daitu) is a Tibeto-Burman language: Sino-Tibetan → Tibeto-Burman → Kuki-Chin → Cho-Asho branch. The Cho-Asho branch encompasses a cluster of closely related Chin varieties spoken in southern Chin State and Rakhine State, including Asho Chin (csh), Laitu (clj), Ekai/Lawktu (cey), Sumtu (csv), Songlai (csj), and others. These languages share significant vocabulary but differ enough in phonology and morphology to require separate translations. "Daitu" is the Laitu speakers' self-designation.
The Laitu Chin community inhabits:
- Paletwa Township, Chin State (southernmost tip of Chin State, bordering Rakhine and Sagaing regions)
- Possibly adjacent communities in Rakhine State
Estimated speakers: approximately 10,000–40,000 (precise Laitu-specific data is limited; the broader Asho Chin/Cho group has approximately 100,000–180,000 speakers across all varieties).
Cultural Context
The Laitu inhabit the rugged southern extension of the Chin Hills, where Chin State meets Rakhine State on the Kaladan River corridor. This area has historically been subject to the cultural influence of both the upland Chin peoples and the lowland Rakhine Buddhist civilization. The southern Chin groups including Laitu have largely maintained Theravada Buddhist practice. The DMS batch of Asho/Cho translations reflects the organization's systematic approach to reaching all the distinct Chin sub-groups in this region with scripture.
Publishing and Organizations
Published by Dhamma Mate Swe Association (DMS), a Myanmar-based Christian translation ministry active in producing scripture portions for minority languages of Myanmar and Bangladesh.