Kuman

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
kue
Alternate Names
Chimbu, Simbu
Population

115,000 (2000 census), increasing. Few monolinguals.

Location

Simbu Province, northern third, into Western Highlands Province, Minj subprovince.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication).

Classification
Trans-New Guinea, Chimbu-Wahgi, Chimbu
Dialects

Kuman, Nagane (Genagane, Genogane), Yongomugl.

Typology

SOV; clause chaining, auxiliary verbs with adjuncts

Language Use

Vigorous. Major area language. All domains. Oral use in local administration, religion, local commerce. All ages. Positive attitudes. Almost all also use Tok Pisin [tpi]. 40,000 can also use English [eng] or neighboring languages.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 15%. Literacy rate in L2: 35%–40%. Used in first 3 grades in school. 20,000 can read and write Kuman. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. NT: 2008.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kuman
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.