Mara language


Mara is a Kuki-Chin language spoken by Mara people, mostly Tlosaih tribe living in 30 villages of Chhimtuipui district, southern Mizoram, India and the adjacent villages in Burma.
The Mara languages belongs to the Kuki-Chin branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. The speakers of the languages are also known as Mara.
Mara is a recognised language in the School curriculum of Mara Autonomous District Council. Mara is a compulsory subject for all schools up to Class VII under Board of School Education, MADC.

Demographics

ochebi, Zophei, Senthang, Lautu & Saté
Mara Alphabet : A, AW, Y, B, CH, D, E, F, H, I, K, L, M, N, NG, O, Ô, P, R, S, T, U, V, Z
Mara Alphabet : a, aw, y, b, ch, d, e, f, h, i, k, l, m, n, ng, o, ô, p, r, s, t, u, v, z
Mara diphthongs: ao, yu, ai, ei, ia, ie, ua

Grammar

Plurals

The plural form of a noun is formed by affixing one of the following terms to the end of the noun:
Words inside bracket were how a foreign author N.E. Parry wrote according to his understanding of the sound. But now the Maras have their own alphabet and the correct usages are put up there.

Interrogative words in Mara

What : Khâpa, Khâpa e, Khâpa maw
Where : Khataih lâ, Khataih liata
How : kheihta, kheihawhta, Khatluta, Kheihta maw
How much? : Khazie?
How long? : Khachâ e, Khachâ maw?
When : Khatita, khatita e, Khâpa nota, nota, tita, nahta, pata, Conj. thlaita, khati nota
Why : Khazia, Khazia-e, Khazia maw, Khâpa vâta
Why not : Khazia a châ vei chheih aw
Whose : Kheihawhpa, Kheihawhpa he, Kheihawhpa-e, Kheihawhpa maw, ahy he maw
Which : Kheihawhpa, Kheihawhpa he, Kheihawhpa-e, Kheihawhpa maw, ahy he maw
Friend : Viasa
Male Friend : Viasa Paw
Female Friend: Viasa Nô
Walk/Go : Sie
Run : Arâ, â râ
Sleep : Amô, Azia, Apazawh, â mô, â zia, â pazawh
See : Mo, hmô
Sit : Â tyuh, atyuh
Stand : Â duah, aduah
Jump : Â pathluah, apathluah
Hit : Â chô, achô
Eat : Nie
Drink : Doh

Pronouns

Singular:
Plural:
Possessive Pronouns
  • Singular
  • Keima, ei - my.
  • keima eih, kei eih - mine.
  • Nâma, na - Thy
  • Nâma eih, na eih - Thine
  • Ama, a - Him, Her, It.
  • Ama eih, a eih - His, Hers, Its.
*Plural.''