Kairiru

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
kxa
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).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, North New Guinea, Schouten, Kairiru-Manam, Kairiru
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
OLAC resources in and about Kairiru
Writing

Latin script [Latn], limited usage.

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