Kanum, Ngkâlmpw

A language of Indonesia

ISO 639: kcd
Alternate Names: Enkelembu, Kanum, Kenume, Knwne, Ngkolmpu, Ngkontar Ngkolmpu
Population: 100 (Evans et al 2018).
Location:: Papua province: Merauke regency, Onggaya, Tomer, and Yanggandur villages south along Papua New Guinea border.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened).
Classification: South-Central Papuan, Morehead-Upper Maro, Tonda
Dialects: None known. Kanum varieties are separate languages, with difficult mutual intelligibility. Reportedly similar to Yei [jei]. Also classified as Australian, Pama-Nyungan.
Language Use: Home, hunting camps. Some young people, all adults. Also use Indonesian [ind], as a trade language or for official purposes. Also use Morori [mok], as a trade language.
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 5%. Grammar.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Kanum, Ngkâlmpw
Writing: Unwritten [Qaax].
Other Comments: One ethnic group with Kanum varieties. Clan marriages common, and much ritual exchange. Christian.

Location: Papua province: Merauke regency, Onggaya, Tomer, and Yanggandur villages south along Papua New Guinea border.