Iaai

A language of New Caledonia

ISO 639: iai
Alternate Names: Hwen Iaai, Iai, Yai
Population: 4,080 (2009 census). 57% live in greater Nouméa.
Location:: Loyalty Islands province: Ouvéa.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Loyalty Islands
Typology: SVO; 2 noun classes (proper and common) with 4 collective prefixes and 20 classificatory prefixes; dual and paucal numbers; definite and indefinite articles; 37 consonants and 20 vowels; stress on first syllable; inclusive/exclusive pronouns; alienable/inalienable possession.
Language Use: Some young people, all adults. Positive attitudes. Many also use Fagauvea [uve] (Lynch 2002a).
Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Taught in secondary schools, at one junior high school. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1901.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Iaai
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Christian.

Location: Loyalty Islands province: Ouvéa.