Page Type: languageNias | Ethnologue

NIA ISO 639-3

Nias

Li Nias Autonym

A language of Indonesia

ISO 639
nia
Alternate Names
Batu, Niha
Autonym
Li Nias
Population
770,000 (2000 census). Ethnic population: 1,042,000 (2011 census).
Location:
North Sumatra province: Batu, Nias and Mursala islands. Alasa, Sirombu and Mandrehe (Northwest dialect); Gomo, and south in Teluk Dalam and Batu islands (Central dialect).
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Northwest Sumatra-Barrier Islands, Nias
Dialects
North Nias (Gunung Sitoli), South Nias (Nias Selatan), West Nias, Northwest Nias, Central Nias.
Typology
VOS; prepositions; noun head initial; classifiers with numerals; no articles; verb affixes mark person and number; modal expressions; causative prefix; 22 consonants (including bilabial trill) and 6 vowels; stress on the penultimate syllable; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.
Language Use
Vigorous. Home, Community; Mixed use: Religion, Work, Education. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Indonesian [ind], but with limited proficiency.
Language Development
Literature. Grammar. Bible: 1911.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nias
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
North dialect (particularly Gunung Sitoli) has high prestige and is a lingua franca in Nias. The South dialect (particularly Teluk Dalam variety) has lower prestige, especially in northern Nias, and is considered by many Nias speakers from other areas as unrefined. Christian.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: North Sumatra province: Batu, Nias and Mursala islands. Alasa, Sirombu and Mandrehe (Northwest dialect); Gomo, and south in Teluk Dalam and Batu islands (Central dialect).