Apma | Ethnologue

A language of Vanuatu

ISO 639: app
Alternate Names: Abma, Central Raga, Daleda
Autonym: Apma, Dalekte
Population: 10,000 (2017 A. Gray). Latest published estimate: 7,800 (Lynch and Crowley 2001).
Location:: Penama province: central Pentecost (Raga).
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu
Dialects: Asuk (Asa, Asu), Suru Mwerani, Suru Rabwanga (Suru Bo), Suru Kavian, Wolwolan (Volvoluana).
Typology: SVO; 17 consonants and 11 vowels; verb serialization; exclusive/inclusive pronouns.
Language Use: Home, Community; Mixed: work, religion. Used by all. Used as L2 by Sowa [sww].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: Low. Literacy rate in L2: 80%–90%, at a basic level. Used in most schools in Grades 1–2. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1977.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Apma
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Suru Kavian dialect is referred to in some sources as a dialect of Namaram, though no longer the major dialect spoken there; Bwatnapni village dialect is a mixture of Suru Mwerani and Suru Rabwanga; Asuk and Wolwolan dialects are extinct or poorly known.

Location: Penama province: central Pentecost (Raga).