Biak

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
bhw
Alternate Names
Biak-Numfor, Mafoor, Mafoorsch, Mefoor, Myfoorsch, Noefoor, Noefoorsch, Nufoor
Population

30,000 (Wurm 2000).

Location

West Papua Province, Biak Numfor regency. Biak and Numfor islands north, numerous small islands east and west of Bird’s Head, including Mapia island.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, South Halmahera-West New Guinea, West New Guinea, Cenderawasih Bay, Biakic
Dialects

Ariom, Bo’o, Bosnik, Dwar, Fairi, Jenures, Kamer, Korido, Korim, Mandusir, Mapia, Mios Num, Mofu, Monoarfu, Opif, Padoa, Penasifu, Rumberpon, Samberi, Sampori (Mokmer), Sor, Sorendidori, Sorido, Sundei, Vogelkop, Wadibu, Wardo, Wari, Warsa. Some consider Biak and Numfor dialect 2 languages.

Language Use

Potentially endangered (2000 S. Wurm). Strong influence from Indonesian [ind]; younger generation losing command of it; many prefer Indonesian (2007).

Language Development
NT: 1990.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Biak
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.