Biak

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
bhw
Alternate Names
Bahasa Biak, Biak-Numfor, Mafoor, Mafoorsch, Mefoor, Myfoorsch, Noefoor, Noefoorsch, Nufoor
Autonym
Wós Kovedi, Wós Vyak
User Population

70,000 (van den Heuvel 2007).

Location

Papua province: Biak Numfor regency, Biak and Numfor islands; Yapen Island regency, north coast area; West Papua province: Mapia islands; Raja Ampat regency, Bantanta and south Waigeo islands; numerous island communities, east, north, and west of Bird’s Head.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, South Halmahera-West New Guinea, West New Guinea, Cenderawasih Bay, Biakic
Dialects

Ariom, Bo’o, Dwar, Fairi, Jenures, Korim, Mandusir, Mofu, Opif, Padoa, Penasifu, Samberi, Sampori (Mokmer), Sor, Sorendidori, Sundei, Wari, Wadibu, Sorido, Bosnik, Korido, Warsa, Wardo, Kamer, Mapia, Mios Num, Rumberpon, Monoarfu, Yobi (Jobi). Some consider Biak and Numfor dialect 2 languages.

Typology

SVO; prepositions; dual number; animate/inanimate nouns; verbs marked for number and gender of subject; 13 consonants and 10 vowels (5 short, 5 long); alienable/inalienable possession; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.

Language Use

Only minor differences between dialects (van den Heuvel 2006). All also use Papuan Malay [pmy] (van den Heuvel 2006). Some also use Indonesian [ind] (van den Heuvel 2006). Used as L2 by Mapia [mpy].

Language Development

NT: 1990.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Biak
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.