Kairiru
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A language of Papua New Guinea
ISO 639-3
Autonym
Kairiru
Population
3,200 (2000 census).
Location
East Sepik province: Wewak district, Kairiru, Karesau, and Yuo islands; mainland coastal villages between Cape Karawop and Cape Samein; north and west Mushu island.
Language Maps
Language Status
6a (Vigorous).
Dialects
None known. Reportedly similar to Kaiep [kbw].
Typology
SOV; noun head initial; dual number; no articles; 17 consonants and 5 vowels; stress on final syllable; inclusive/exclusive pronouns; inalienable/alienable possession.
Language Use
Also use Tok Pisin [tpi].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Below 5%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. Dictionary. Grammar.
Language Resources
Writing
Latin script [Latn], limited usage.