Vitu | Ethnologue

A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639: wiv
Alternate Names: Bali-Vitu, Muduapa, Pole Matotoa, Tok Vitu, Vittu, Witu
Autonym: Pole Vitu
Population: 7,000 (van den Berg and Bachet 2006).
Location:: West New Britain Province: Talasea district, Vitu and Bali islands off northwest coast.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, Bali-Vitu
Dialects: Bali, Vitu (Witu). 2 or 3 dialects. Mudua Island variety may be a separate language.
Typology: SVO; prepositions; noun head initial, except articles; dual number; noun class (common and proper); indefinite common article; tense and aspect; 14 consonants and 5 vowels; stress on penultimate syllable; inclusive/exclusive pronouns; alienable/inalienable possession.
Language Use: Home, community; Mixed use: religion, education. Used by all. All also use Tok Pisin [tpi] (van den Berg and Bachet 2006). Also use English [eng] (van den Berg and Bachet 2006).
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 15%–25%. Literacy rate in L2: 75%–100%. 2 or more vernacular primary schools. NT: 2019.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Vitu
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: ‘Vitu’ is island name.

Location: West New Britain Province: Talasea district, Vitu and Bali islands off northwest coast.