Bauni
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A language of Papua New Guinea
Alternate Names
Barapu, Barupu, Warapu
Autonym
Bauni
User Population
2,220 (2000 census). Ethnic population: 2,220 (2000 census).
Location
Sandaun province: West Aitape LLG, Barupu, Pou, and Warapu villages.
Language Maps
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Typology
SOV; dual number; gender distinctions in pronouns; polysynthetic language; 9 consonants and 6 vowels; tonal (5 word tone melodies); richest system of applicatives of any known language.
Language Use
People are very conscious of retaining the language and culture, as a result of the 1998 tsunami (Corris 2005). Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng] (Corris 2005). Also use Tok Pisin [tpi], in town and with outsiders (Corris 2005). Also use Uni [uni] (Miller 2017). Used as L2 by Uni [uni].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: 50%–75%. Grammar. Bible portions: 2013–2018.