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[Nathaniel]

Originally Posted by aiontay

Nathaniel,

If it were easy, anthropologist (I'm not one) wouldn't have a job.


Jinghpaw literally just means "human" or "people" so a Jinghpaw might refer to say a Maru as Jinghpaw simply as an expression of kinship to a group that shares a similar culture and a clan system that cuts across tribal boundaries. Kachin is a term the British came up with to generalize all the tribes they met in northern Burma that seemed to share a common culture and were allied with each other. I use allied in a very loose sense since they willing to fight each other and among themselves. Also keep in mind that even within tribes, especially among the Jinghpaw and Rawang, there are very distinct sub-groups like Gauri among the Jinghpaw. Even the Kachins have trouble keeping it straight sometimes.

It is true the Jinghpaw are the most numerous and their dialect is the common one.

All good info. Thanks Aiontay