Wagama

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639: abg
Alternate Names: Abaga, Vaga, Wagaba
Population: 600 (2017 SIL). No monolinguals (2017 SIL). Ethnic population: 1,000 (2017 SIL).
Location:: Eastern Highlands province: Henganofi district, Dunantina valley, Kese village.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened).
Classification: Trans-New Guinea, Madang, Kalam-Kobon
Language Use: Children generally grow up learning Benabena [bcf], Kamano [kbq], and Wagama [abg] simultaneously. Children in Kese village that live closer to the highway use more Tok Pisin [tpi] and less Wagama, and some do not use Wagama at all. Those children who live farther from the highway use less Tok Pisin and more Wagama. Private coversations, fights, sports, village gatherings. Mixed use in all other domains with Benabena [bcf], Kamano [kbq], and Tok Pisin [tpi]. Some young people, all adults. All also use Benabena [bef]. Most also use Kamano [kbq]. Most also use Tok Pisin [tpi].

Location: Eastern Highlands province: Henganofi district, Dunantina valley, Kese village.