Numanggang

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
nop
Alternate Names
Boana, Kai, Manggang, Ngain, Numangan, Numangang, Sugu
Population

2,300 (2000 census). Few monolinguals. Ethnic population: 2,800 to 3,000.

Location

Morobe Province, Lae district, north Nadzab. 10 villages; Lae, Mount Hagen, and Rabaul.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Trans-New Guinea, Finisterre-Huon, Finisterre, Erap
Dialects

East Numanggang, West Numanggang.

Typology

SOV

Language Use

Vigorous. Tok Pisin [tpi] used more in towns. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Youth mostly use Tok Pisin [tpi]; older generation uses Kâte [kmg]; some use English [eng], Nakame [nib], Nabak [naf], or German [deu].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 35%–50%. Literacy rate in L2: 35%–50% Tok Pisin [tpi] or Kâte [kmg]. Taught in primary schools. NT: 2006.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Numanggang
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Used in village court and believed to have significant influence on proceedings. Tok Pisin [tpi] or other trade language used for insults, at which point an elder will insist that discussion be limited to Numanggang due to its calming and peaceful power. Christian.