Page Type: languageAmbel | Ethnologue

WGO ISO 639-3

Ambel

A language of Indonesia

ISO 639
wgo
Alternate Names
Amber, Amberi, Siam, Waigeo, Waigiu
Population
1,600 (Arnold 2018).
Location:
West Papua province: Raja Ampat regency, Waigeo Selatan sub-district, Go, Kabare, Kabilol, Nyandesawai, Selegop, Waifoi, and Warsanbin villages in north central Waigeo island off western Bird’s Head.
Language Status
7 (Shifting).
Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, South Halmahera-West New Guinea, West New Guinea, Cenderawasih Bay, Raja Ampat
Dialects
Metnyo, Metsam.
Typology
SVO; mainly head initial; dual and paucal numbers; subject marked on verb; 14 consonant and 5 vowel phonemes; tonal (high, toneless); 5 distinct possessive constructions; inclusive/exclusive pronouns; verb serialization.
Language Use
Home only. Adults only. Shifting to Papuan Malay [pmy].
Language Development
Grammar.
Other Comments
Christian, traditional religion.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: West Papua province: Raja Ampat regency, Waigeo Selatan sub-district, Go, Kabare, Kabilol, Nyandesawai, Selegop, Waifoi, and Warsanbin villages in north central Waigeo island off western Bird’s Head.