Sawila

A language of Indonesia

ISO 639: swt
Alternate Names: Manata, Sawali, Tanglapui, Tanlapui, Wullili
Population: 3,000 (Grimes et al 1997).
Location:: East Nusa Tenggara Province; southeast Alor island, between Kula [tpg] and Wersing [kvw] language areas.
Language Status: 6b* (Threatened).
Classification: Trans-New Guinea, West, Timor-Alor-Pantar, Tanglapui
Dialects: Sawila, Lona, Salimana, Lalamana, Sileba. Marginal intelligibility but reportedly structurally similar to Kula [tpg]; distinct historical ethnic identities.
Typology: SOV; noun head initial; 15 consonants and 12 vowels (6 short, 6 long); vowel harmony; verb serialization; inclusion/exclusive pronouns.
Language Use: Most also use Kula [tpg]. Most also use Wersing [kvw].
Other Comments: Many current village locations are the result of recent migrations from older locations. Christian, traditional religion.

Location: East Nusa Tenggara Province; southeast Alor island, between Kula [tpg] and Wersing [kvw] language areas.