Waima

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
rro
Alternate Names
Roro
Population

15,000 (2000 census).

Location

Central Province, Bereina district, near Kairuku, Hall Sound shores, between Yule island and mainland, northwest of Port Moresby.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Papuan Tip, Peripheral, Central Papuan, West Central Papuan, Nuclear
Dialects

Paitana, Roro, Waima. Roro and Paitana populations smaller and scattered. Lexical similarity: 45% with Kuni [kse] (most similar), 99% among all 3 dialects. All agree Waima is the main dialect.

Typology

SOV

Language Use

Home, traditional ceremonies, play, public meetings, religious services.

Language Development
Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. NT: 2003.
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Many schools.