Benabena

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
bef
Alternate Names
Bena
User Population

45,000 (2000 census).

Location

Eastern Highlands province: Goroka district.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Trans-New Guinea, Kainantu-Goroka, Gorokan, Gahuku-Benabena
Dialects

Upper Bena, Middle Bena, Lower Bena.

Language Use

Some young people, all adults. All also use Tok Pisin [tpi]. Used as L2 by Kamano [kbq], Wagama [abg].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 10%–15%. Literacy rate in L2: 40%–50%. Grammar. NT: 1983.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Benabena
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.