Dannau — Danau Scripture Portions (Myanmar)
Overview
Dannau is the Gospel of Luke in the Danau (Khano) language of Shan State, Myanmar, published by Dhamma Mate Swe Association (DMS) and available via YouVersion/Bible.com (ID 4160). The Danau are one of Myanmar's smallest recognized ethnic nationalities, living in the Inle Lake area of southern Shan State. DMS, which has produced similar first-scripture translations for several other small Myanmar languages (including Ekai/Lawktu and Thet/Chak), follows a pattern of producing Luke as a first-scripture Gospel for minority Buddhist communities. The Danau are predominantly Buddhist, and this Luke translation represents the first scripture available in their heart language.
Language and People
Danau (ISO 639-3: dnu; autonym: Khano; also spelled Dana) is a Tibeto-Burman language: Sino-Tibetan → Tibeto-Burman (exact sub-branch placement is debated; tentatively placed within the broader Lolo-Burmese or a distinct Shan State Tibeto-Burman grouping). Danau shows significant influence from surrounding Shan (Tai-Kadai) and Burmese (Lolo-Burmese) languages due to centuries of contact in the Shan State interior.
The Danau community inhabits:
- Nyaungshwe Township, Taunggyi District, Southern Shan State, Myanmar — specifically the Inle Lake area (Inle-Nyaungshwe area)
- Small scattered communities in adjacent Shan State townships
Estimated speakers: approximately 1,000–5,000 (Danau is one of Myanmar's smallest ethnolinguistic communities; Joshua Project and Ethnologue estimates vary considerably).
Cultural Context
The Danau are one of the 135 officially recognized national ethnic races of Myanmar. They inhabit the shores and near-shore areas of Inle Lake, one of Myanmar's most significant inland lakes, which is also home to the Intha people (famous for their leg-rowing fishing technique) and other small ethnic groups. The Danau are distinct from the Intha and from the dominant Shan population. Like many small Buddhist ethnic minorities in Shan State, the Danau practice Theravada Buddhism mixed with traditional animist beliefs. The Inle Lake region has experienced significant economic development through tourism, which has brought change to the traditional lifeways of lake-area communities including the Danau.
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.