Page Type: languageBuru | Ethnologue

MHS ISO 639-3

Buru

Buru Autonym

A language of Indonesia

ISO 639
mhs
Alternate Names
Boeroe, Buruese
Autonym
Buru
Population
45,000 (Grimes 2010).
Location:
Maluku province: Buru island except northeast corner, 70 villages; some on Ambon island in Jakarta.
Language Status
6b (Threatened).
Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Central Maluku, Buru
Dialects
Masarete (South Buru), Wae Sama (Waesama), Central Buru (Rana, Wae Geren, Wae Kabo), Fogi (Li Emteban, Tomahu). Li Garan is a special taboo dialect spoken by the Rana people (3,000 to 5,000 users). Ethnic population Fogi dialect: 500, but no remaining speakers. Lexical similarity: 90% between Masarete and Wae Sama dialects, 88% between Masarete and Rana, 80% between Wae Sama and Rana, 68% between Lisela [lcl] and Masarete, 48% between Leliali dialect of Kayeli [kzl] and Masarete, 45% between Kayeli [kzl] and Masarete, 44% between Ambelau [amv] and Masarete, 27%–33% between Buru dialects and Sula [szn].
Typology
SVO; prepositions; genitives before nouns; predominantly head marking; CV, CVC, V, VC; nontonal.
Language Use
Vigorous in most areas. Fogi dialect speakers apparently shifted to Ambonese Malay [abs]. All domains. Some of all ages. Also use Ambonese Malay [abs]. Also use Indonesian [ind].
Language Development
Grammar. Bible portions: 1904–1998.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Buru
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
There are word taboos and complex intermarriage patterns on the island. Exogamous. 10 clans. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Maluku province: Buru island except northeast corner, 70 villages; some on Ambon island in Jakarta.