Iau

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
tmu
Alternate Names
Foi, Iaw, Turu, Urundi, Ururi, Yau
Population

600 (2000 J. Bateman), increasing. 500 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 600 or more.

Location

Papua Province. Puncak Jaya regency, Barere, Fawi, and Taiyai villages. Area between Rouffaer, upper Van Daalen rivers. Dialects: Poi on Rouffaer river; Turu on Van Daalen river.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Lakes Plain, Tariku, Central
Dialects

Foi, Iau, Turu. Similar to Edopi [dbf]. Distinct from Yawa [yva]. Varieties listed as dialects may be separate languages.

Language Use

Vigorous. Speakers of other languages in western Lakes Plains area speak basic Iau. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Young to middle-aged speakers also use Indonesian [ind]. A few also use Duvle [duv] or a Dani variety.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 5%–15%. 200 or more can read and write it. Bible portions: 1985–2005.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Iau
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Christian.