Yaw People

The Yaw people live in Gangaw District, Burma and Pakokku District number about 20,000 people. They speak the Yaw dialect of the Burmese language.

Introduction / History

Yaw is a small dialect of the bigger Burmese language.
Where Are they Located?

Yaw speakers live in the Gangaw District of Myanmar.
What Are Their Lives Like?

Speakers of the Yaw dialect have been noted for weaving and witchcraft, though the latter is highly disputed. Visitors find these people to be friendly. They live in a land of many rivers and nearby mountains, so there is an abundance of water and rich topsoil for them to grow crops.
What Are Their Beliefs?

Speakers of Yaw are Buddhists who attend local Buddhist temples to make offerings of incense and fruit. Most Yaw speakers also believe in a variety of spirits which they must appease to keep their families and farms safe from harm.
What Are Their Needs?

Yaw speakers need the chance to find their true Savior.
Prayer Points

Pray for Yaw Burmese speakers to have a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the risen Savior.
Pray for Yaw leaders to have dreams and visions that will open their hearts to their people’s need for Jesus Christ.
Pray for Yaw speakers to have access to Christian films and gospel recordings.
Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among Yaw speakers.