Drehu

Print

A language of New Caledonia

ISO 639-3
dhv
Alternate Names
Dehu, De’u, Lifou, Lifu, Qene Drehu
Population

13,000 (2009), increasing. 60% live in greater Nouméa. The 2009 census figure of 15,586 includes many second language speakers. Population figure adapted from 2009 census.

Location

Loyalty Islands, Lifou and Tiga.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Loyalty Islands
Dialects

Minimal dialect difference between the 3 districts of Wetr, Gaica and Mu.

Typology

Word order depends on tense

Language Use

Vigorous. Widely spoken church and regional language. Positive attitudes.

Language Development
Taught at secondary and junior college levels and various other schools. Poetry. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1890.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Drehu
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Christian.