Waima | Ethnologue

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639: rro
Alternate Names: Roro
Autonym: Waima
Population: 12,000 (2002 SIL). Ethnic population: 15,000 (2000 census).
Location:: Central province: Bereina district, Hall Sound shores between Yule island and mainland, northwest of Port Moresby.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Papuan Tip, Peripheral, Central Papuan, West Central Papuan, Nuclear
Dialects: Waima, Paitana, Roro. Roro and Paitana populations smaller and scattered. Lexical similarity: 45% with Kuni [kse] (most similar), 99% among all 3 dialects. All agree Waima is the main dialect.
Typology: SOV.
Language Use: Home, traditional ceremonies, play, public meetings, religious services. Used by all. Most also use English [eng]. Many also use Hiri Motu [hmo]. Some also use Tok Pisin [tpi]. Used as L2 by Lala [nrz].
Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Radio. NT: 2003.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Waima
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Many schools.

Location: Central province: Bereina district, Hall Sound shores between Yule island and mainland, northwest of Port Moresby.