Page Type: languageKairiru | Ethnologue

KXA ISO 639-3

Kairiru

Kairiru Autonym

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639
kxa
Autonym
Kairiru
Population
2,500 (Ross 2002b).
Location:
East Sepik province: Wewak district, Kairiru, Karesau, and Yuo islands; mainland coastal villages between Cape Karawop and Cape Samein; north and west Mushu island.
Language Status
6a* (Vigorous).
Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, North New Guinea, Schouten, Kairiru-Manam, Kairiru
Dialects
None known. Reportedly similar to Kaiep [kbw].
Typology
SOV; noun head initial; dual number; no articles; 17 consonants and 5 vowels; stress on final syllable; inclusive/exclusive pronouns; inalienable/alienable possession.
Language Use
Also use Tok Pisin [tpi].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Below 5%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. Dictionary. Grammar.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kairiru
Writing
Latin script [Latn], limited usage.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: East Sepik province: Wewak district, Kairiru, Karesau, and Yuo islands; mainland coastal villages between Cape Karawop and Cape Samein; north and west Mushu island.