Kovai

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
kqb
Alternate Names
Alngubin, Kobai, Kowai
Population

6,000 (2011 SIL). Ethnic population: 6,300.

Location

Morobe Province, Siassi district, Umboi and Rooke islands. 13 villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Trans-New Guinea, Finisterre-Huon, Huon, Kovai
Language Use

Vigorous. Retained despite pressure from Tok Pisin [tpi]. Use in first 3 years of primary education and geographic isolation on an island help language maintenance. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Tok Pisin [tpi] used with outsiders (health personnel, government officials, including police) and also in church services alongside Kovai.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 30%–40%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–60% (Tok Pisin). Taught in primary schools. Poetry. Bible portions: 1993–2008.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kovai
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

All but 2 villages situated in an ancient caldera on this volcanic island. Traditional religion, Christian.