Apma

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A language of Vanuatu

ISO 639-3
app
Alternate Names
Abma, Central Raga, Daleda
Autonym
Apma, Dalekte
User Population

10,000 (2017 A. Gray). Latest published estimate: 7,800 (Lynch and Crowley 2001).

Location

Penama province: central Pentecost (Raga).

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu
Dialects

Asuk (Asa, Asu), Suru Mwerani, Suru Rabwanga (Suru Bo), Suru Kavian, Wolwolan (Volvoluana).

Typology

SVO; 17 consonants and 11 vowels; verb serialization; exclusive/inclusive pronouns.

Language Use

Home, Community; Mixed: work, religion. Used by all. Used as L2 by Sowa [sww].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: Low. Literacy rate in L2: 80%–90%, at a basic level. Taught as subject in most primary schools in grades 1 and 2. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1977.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Apma
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Suru Kavian dialect is referred to in some sources as a dialect of Namaram, though no longer the major dialect spoken there; Bwatnapni village dialect is a mixture of Suru Mwerani and Suru Rabwanga; Asuk and Wolwolan dialects are extinct or poorly known.