Alune | Ethnologue

A language of Indonesia

ISO 639: alp
Alternate Names: Patasiwa Alfoeren, Sapalewa
Autonym: Alune
Population: 17,200 (2000).
Location:: Maluku province: Seram Bagian Barat regency, Kairatu and Taniwel districts, 27 villages in Latuhelu area and Piru bay.
Language Status: 6b* (Threatened).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Central Maluku, East, Seram, Nunusaku, Three Rivers, Amalumute, Northwest Seram, Ulat Inai
Dialects: Kairatu, Central West Alune (Niniari-Piru-Riring-Lumoli), South Alune (Rambatu-Manussa-Rumberu), North Coastal Alune (Nikulkan-Murnaten-Wakolo), Central East Alune (Buriah-Weth-Laturake). South Alune dialect is extinct (Florey 2005). Kawe [kgb] may be a dialect. Lexical similarity: 77%–91% among dialects, 64% with Lisabata-Nuniali [lcs], 63% with Hulung [huk] and Naka’ela [nae].
Language Use: People in the interior, the majority, use it daily. Coastal village usage less vigorous. Shifting to Ambonese Malay [abs]. Many also use Ambonese Malay [abs] (Florey 2005). Also use Indonesian [ind].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 50%–65%. Literacy rate in L2: 40%–55%. Dictionary. NT: 2012.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Alune
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Largest language in west Seram. Christian.

Location: Maluku province: Seram Bagian Barat regency, Kairatu and Taniwel districts, 27 villages in Latuhelu area and Piru bay.