Gumawana

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
gvs
Alternate Names
Domdom, Gumasi, Gumasila
Autonym
Gumawana
User Population

370 (2001 UNESCO), increasing. 90 monolinguals (2001 UNESCO). Ethnic population: 370 (2001 UNESCO).

Location

Milne Bay province: Esa’ala district, Amphlett Islands, about 25 islands north of Fergusson. 7 villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Papuan Tip, Nuclear, North Papuan Mainland-D’Entrecasteaux, Gumawana
Dialects

Kotoita, Nubogeta, Gumawana. Lexical similarity: 48% with Galeya [gar], 47% with Dobu [dob] (most similar).

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Boselewa [bwf]. Also use Dobu [dob]. Also use Galeya [gar]. Also use Kilivila [kij]. Also use Maiadomu [mzz].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 90%. Literacy rate in L2: 75%. Tend not to read Gumawana or Dobu but increase in English use and literacy. Literature. Texts. NT: 2019.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Gumawana
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian.