Lihir | Ethnologue

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639: lih
Alternate Names: Lir
Autonym: Lihir
Population: 15,000 (Hermer 2016), increasing. Ethnic population: 15,000 (Hermer 2016).
Location:: New Ireland province: Lihir and 3 smaller islands.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, Tabar
Dialects: Mahur, Matakue. Little difference in the dialects of the surrounding islands. Some Mahur speakers have trouble understanding Matakue speakers (Hermer 2013).
Language Use: Home, school, church, community. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Tok Pisin [tpi] (Hermer 2013).
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 80%. Literacy rate in L2: 95%. Taught in primary schools. Literature.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Lihir
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.

Location: New Ireland province: Lihir and 3 smaller islands.