Tairuma | Ethnologue

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639: uar
Alternate Names: Kerema, Tairuma’a, Uaripi
Autonym: Tairuma
Population: 4,500 (Rueck et al 2010), increasing. Ethnic population: 4,500 (Rueck et al 2010).
Location:: Gulf province: Uaripi and villages near Kerema.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous).
Classification: Trans-New Guinea, Eleman, Nuclear Eleman, Eastern
Dialects: Two mutually intelligible dialects (Rueck et al 2010). 91% similar or higher among all dialects (Rueck et al 2010).
Typology: SOV.
Language Use: Home, cultural events; Mixed use: School with English [eng] and Tok Pisin [tpi]; church with English [eng], Tok Pisin [tpi], Orokolo [oro], Motu [meu], Hiri Motu [hmo]. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use Tok Pisin [tpi], especially young people (Rueck et al 2010). Many also use English [eng], especially young people (Rueck et al 2010). Some also use Hiri Motu [hmo] (Rueck et al 2010). Some also use Orokolo [oro], especially older adults (Rueck et al 2010). Some also use Toaripi [tqo], especially older adults (Rueck et al 2010). A few also use Opao [opo] (Rueck et al 2010). Used as L2 by Kaki Ae [tbd], Opao [opo], Toaripi [tqo].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15% (SIL). Taught in primary schools.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Tairuma
Writing: Latin script [Latn], used since 2002, in development.
Other Comments: Christian.

Location: Gulf province: Uaripi and villages near Kerema.