Äiwoo

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A language of Solomon Islands

ISO 639-3
nfl
Alternate Names
Aïwo, Ayiwo, Gnivo, Lomlom, Naaude, Nifilole, Nivo, Reef Islands, Reefs
Population

8,400 (1999 SIL), increasing. 4,500 on Reef Islands, Santa Cruz, 1,000 in Honiara (2000 SIL).

Location

Santa Cruz Islands, eastern Solomons, Temotu Province, primarily Lomlom island; Fenualoa, Nibanga Nede, and Nibanga Temaa islands, many villages scattered along the north coast of Santa Cruz, and Honiara.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz
Typology

OVS

Language Use

Vigorous. Religious services, commerce. Positive attitudes. Good speakers respected, Pijin borrowings disliked. Also use Pijin [pis]. A few also speak Vaeakau-Taumako [piv] or English [eng].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Low. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. Orthography not standardized so few readers. Taught in primary and secondary schools. Radio programs. Grammar.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Äiwoo
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Christian.