Drehu
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A language of New Caledonia
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
De’u, Dehu, Lifou, Lifouan, Lifu, Qene Drehu
Autonym
Drehu
Population
13,000 (2009), increasing. 60% live in greater Nouméa. Population figure adapted from 2009 census figure of 15,586 includes many second language speakers.
Location
Loyalty Islands province: Lifou and Tiga.
Language Maps
Language Status
4 (Educational).
Dialects
Minimal dialect difference between the 3 districts of Wetr, Gaica and Mu.
Typology
Word order depends on tense.
Language Use
Vigorous. Fairly widely spoken church and regional language, although this use decreasing with increase of French [fra]. Positive attitudes.
Language Development
Taught at secondary and junior college levels and various other schools. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1890.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Christian.