Page Type: languageBiak | Ethnologue

BHW ISO 639-3

Biak

Wós Kovedi, Wós Vyak Autonym

A language of Indonesia

ISO 639
bhw
Alternate Names
Bahasa Biak, Biak-Numfor, Mafoor, Mafoorsch, Mefoor, Myfoorsch, Noefoor, Noefoorsch, Nufoor
Autonym
Wós Kovedi, Wós Vyak
Population
70,000 (van den Heuvel 2007).
Location:
Papua province: Biak Numfor regency, Biak and Numfor islands; Yapen Island regency, north coast area; West Papua province: Mapia islands; Raja Ampat regency, Bantanta and south Waigeo islands; numerous island communities, east, north, and west of Bird’s Head.
Language Status
6b* (Threatened).
Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, South Halmahera-West New Guinea, West New Guinea, Cenderawasih Bay, Biakic
Dialects
Ariom, Bo’o, Dwar, Fairi, Jenures, Korim, Mandusir, Mofu, Opif, Padoa, Penasifu, Samberi, Sampori (Mokmer), Sor, Sorendidori, Sundei, Wari, Wadibu, Sorido, Bosnik, Korido, Warsa, Wardo, Kamer, Mapia, Mios Num, Rumberpon, Monoarfu, Yobi (Jobi). Some consider Biak and Numfor dialect 2 languages.
Typology
SVO; prepositions; dual number; animate/inanimate nouns; verbs marked for number and gender of subject; 13 consonants and 10 vowels (5 short, 5 long); alienable/inalienable possession; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.
Language Use
Only minor differences between dialects (van den Heuvel 2006). All also use Papuan Malay [pmy] (van den Heuvel 2006). Some also use Indonesian [ind] (van den Heuvel 2006). Used as L2 by Mapia [mpy].
Language Development
NT: 1990.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Biak
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Christian, traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Papua province: Biak Numfor regency, Biak and Numfor islands; Yapen Island regency, north coast area; West Papua province: Mapia islands; Raja Ampat regency, Bantanta and south Waigeo islands; numerous island communities, east, north, and west of Bird’s Head.