Oya’oya

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639: oyy
Alternate Names: Daiomuni, Kuiaro, Loani, Simagahi
Population: 380 (2005 SIL).
Location:: Milne Bay province: Samarai-Murua district, Bwanabwana local government area, southeast tip of Papuan mainland facing China strait.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Papuan Tip, Nuclear, Suauic
Dialects: Dialect subgroup. Reportedly similar to Unubahe [unu]. Lexical similarity: 61% with Wagawaga [wgb], 46% with Saliba [sbe], 31% with Tawala [tbo], 48% with Buhutu [bxh].
Language Use: All domains except singing. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use English [eng]. Some also use Suau [swp]. A few also use Tawala [tbo].
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Oya’oya
Writing: Unwritten [Qaax].
Other Comments: No schools. Children travel by boat to various offshore islands for school.

Location: Milne Bay province: Samarai-Murua district, Bwanabwana local government area, southeast tip of Papuan mainland facing China strait.