An outline of the structure of the Akha language (part 1): introduction and phonemics

In Tonan Ajia Kenkyu (The Southeast Asian Studies) Vol. 8, No.1 June, 1970. — 16 - 35 p.The Akhas call themselves"Akha" (/'laka/), while other ethnic groups call them by different names. Generally the Shans both in Burma and in Thailand use the name "Kaw", and the Northern Thais, "E-kaw". The prefix /E-/ might be the same as /E-/, which is often prefixed to nouns and denotes "female". This is perhaps because of the eye-striking appearance of the Akha women. "Kha Kaw" is mostly used by the Laotians or the inhabitants of Laos, but the /khaa-/ is very often prefixed to the names of the minority peoples regardless of their geneological relations. The Thai Lus often call the Akhas "Kaw Ho Laem", which means "Akhas with pointed head," due to the shape of the head-dress of the Akha women. The name "O-ni" or "Wo-ni" used by the Chinese includes not only the Akhas but also many peoples belonging to the Burmese-Loloish Group.