The Karen languages are a group of related languages spoken primarily by the Karen people, an ethnic group in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar and Thailand. These languages belong to the larger Sino-Tibetan language family and are divided into several main branches, including Sgaw, Pwo, and Pa'O. Each branch has its own dialects, which can vary significantly in pronunciation and vocabulary. Karen languages are primarily tonal, meaning that the pitch used when pronouncing a word can change its meaning. They are written using the Latin alphabet or the Burmese script, depending on the region. The preservation of these languages is important for maintaining the cultural identity of the Karen people.