Enga

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
enq
Alternate Names
Caga, Tchaga, Tsaga
Autonym
Eŋa
User Population

370,000, all users. L1 users: 300,000 (Gibbs 2011). L2 users: 70,000 (2021).

Location

East Sepik province: Angoram district; Enga province: eastern 2 thirds; Southern Highlands province: border area near Winja; Western Highlands province: Mul-Baiyer Station district, Baiyer LLG.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Trans-New Guinea, Engan, Enga
Dialects

Kandepe, Layapo, Tayato, Mae (Mai, Wabag), Maramuni (Malamuni), Kaina, Kapona, Sau (Sau Enga, Wapi), Yandapo, Lapalama 1, Lapalama 2, Laiagam, Sari. Mae is standard dialect; all understand it. Layapo is between Mae and Kyaka [kyc].

Typology

SOV.

Language Use

Used by all. Also use Tok Pisin [tpi] (San Roque and Loughnane 2012). Used as L2 by Angal [age], Angal Enen [aoe], Angal Heneng [akh], Ipili [ipi], Lembena [leq], Nete [net], Pinai-Hagahai [pnn], Umbu-Ungu [ubu].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: Low. Literacy rate in L2: Low. Dictionary. Texts. NT: 1979–1988.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Enga
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Maramuni are nomadic in lower central range.