Kovai | Ethnologue

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639: kqb
Alternate Names: Kobai, Kowai
Autonym: Alngubin
Population: 6,000 (2011 SIL). Ethnic population: 6,300.
Location:: Morobe province: Siassi district, Umboi and Rooke islands. 13 villages.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Trans-New Guinea, Finisterre-Huon, Huon, Kovai
Language Use: Vigorous. Retained despite pressure from Tok Pisin [tpi]. Use in first 3 years of primary education and geographic isolation on an island help language maintenance. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Tok Pisin [tpi], particularly with outsiders (health personnel, government officials, including police) and in church services along with Kovai. Used as L2 by Karnai [bbv].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 30%–40%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–60% in Tok Pisin [tpi]. Taught in primary schools. Literature. Texts. Bible portions: 1993–2008.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Kovai
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: All but 2 villages situated in an ancient caldera on this volcanic island. Traditional religion, Christian.

Location: Morobe province: Siassi district, Umboi and Rooke islands. 13 villages.