Page Type: languageIsirawa | Ethnologue

SRL ISO 639-3

Isirawa

A language of Indonesia

ISO 639
srl
Alternate Names
Okwasar, Saberi, Saweri
Population
1,800 (Wurm 2000).
Location:
Papua province: Jayapura, north coast, Sarmi regency: Amsira, Arabais, Arsania, Kamenawari, Mararena, Martewar, Nisero, Nuerawar, Perkami, Siaratesa, Waim, Wari, and Webro villages.
Language Status
6b (Threatened).
Classification
Tor-Kwerba, Greater Kwerba, Isirawa
Dialects
Western Isirawa, Eastern Isirawa. Reportedly similar to Kwerba [kwe]. Dialects very similar.
Typology
SOV; postpositions; noun head initial; 2 noun classes (masculine, feminine); dual number; definite suffix; nominative-accusative language; tense, aspect and mood markers; 12 consonants and 8 vowels; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.
Language Use
Potentially endangered (2000 S. Wurm). Vigorous, but losing its trade language status to Indonesian [ind]; children are beginning to prefer Indonesian (Wurm 2007). Some young people, all adults. Also use Indonesian [ind]. Used as L2 by Samarokena [tmj].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 5%–15%. NT: 2005.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Isirawa
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Christian, traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Papua province: Jayapura, north coast, Sarmi regency: Amsira, Arabais, Arsania, Kamenawari, Mararena, Martewar, Nisero, Nuerawar, Perkami, Siaratesa, Waim, Wari, and Webro villages.