Buhutu

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
bxh
Alternate Names
Bohutu, Buhulu, Siasiada, Yaleba
Autonym
Buhutu
User Population

1,500 (2001 UNESCO), increasing. 300 monolinguals (2001 UNESCO). Ethnic population: 1,500 (2001 UNESCO).

Location

Milne Bay province: Alotau district, Sagarai valley, East tip of Papua.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Papuan Tip, Nuclear, Suauic
Dialects

None known. Reportedly similar to Unubahe [unu] and Oye’oye [oyy]. Lexical similarity: 68% with Suau [swp].

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Many also use Suau [swp]. Many also use Tawala [tbo]. Many also use Tok Pisin [tpi]. Some also use Hiri Motu [hmo]. Used as L2 by Haigwai [hgw], Kakabai [kqf], Suau [swp], Yaleba [ylb].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 75%. Literacy rate in L2: 75%. About 100 locally authored titles, plus audio and written translated materials. Literature. Dictionary. Texts. Bible portions: 2011–2015.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Buhutu
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian.