Wedau | Ethnologue

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639: wed
Alternate Names: Wamira, Wedaun, Wedawan
Autonym: Pona Wedau
Population: 13,700, all users. L1 users: 2,700 (2001 SIL). L2 users: 11,000 (2021). 900 monolinguals.
Location:: Milne Bay province: Rabaraba district, Weraura local government area, mainland from Kuvira Bay to Dogura along north coast.
Language Status: 3 (Wider communication). Prestige language and LWC for other language groups.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Papuan Tip, Nuclear, North Papuan Mainland-D’Entrecasteaux, Are-Taupota, Taupota
Dialects: Topura (Pona Topura), Yapoa, Lavora, Kwamana.
Language Use: Understood some in Oro Province. All domains. Used by all. Most also use English [eng]. Used as L2 by Anuki [aui], Dawawa [dww], Gapapaiwa [pwg], Ghayavi [bmk], Gweda [grw], Haigwai [hgw], Kakabai [kqf], Kanasi [soq], Taupota [tpa], Tawala [tbo], Wa’ema [wag].
Language Development: Taught in primary and secondary schools. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1927–1980.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Wedau
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Christian.

Location: Milne Bay province: Rabaraba district, Weraura local government area, mainland from Kuvira Bay to Dogura along north coast.