Vinitiri | Ethnologue

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639: vmg
Alternate Names: Lungalunga, Minigir, Minigiri, Tavue, Vinitiri Tuna
Autonym: Vinitiri, Vinitiri Lungalungá
Population: 6,000 (2012 SIL). Ethnic population: 6,000 (2012 SIL).
Location:: East New Britain province: Ataliklikun bay, Lungalunga and Vunamarita villages on Gazelle peninsula.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Mono-Uruava
Dialects: Vinitiri Vunamarita, Vinitiri Luvuani.
Language Use: Not endangered (2000 D. Tryon). All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. All also use Kuanua [ksd]. All also use Tok Pisin [tpi]. Many also use English [eng], especially adults.
Language Development: Grammar.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Vinitiri
Writing: Latin script [Latn], used since 2002.
Other Comments: Although the language name, Lungalunga, was derived from Tok Pisin [tpi] ‘longlong’ meaning ‘crazy’, there is unanimous agreement within the community that this is the widely recognized language name, even though some in Lungalunga village prefer the name ‘Tavue’ meaning ‘brother’ (2012 SIL). Overall, however, in Lungalunga village and throughout the language area, Vinitiri is the preferred language name by speakers (Van Der Mark 2007).

Location: East New Britain province: Ataliklikun bay, Lungalunga and Vunamarita villages on Gazelle peninsula.