Yamdena

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
jmd
Alternate Names
Jamden, Jamdena, Tanemprar lirin
Autonym
Tanempar Liriny
User Population

25,000 (1991 SIL), decreasing. Ethnic population: 35,000 (1991 SIL).

Location

Maluku province: Tannembar islands, east coast Yamdena island, south to north tip of Selaru island, 35 villages; southwest Yamdena island, Latdalam village.

Language Maps
Language Status

5* (Developing).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Southeast Maluku, Kei-Tanimbar, Yamdena
Dialects

North Yamdena (Nus Das), South Yamdena (Nus Bab). A chain of related varieties from north to south with 90% lexical similarity between extremes, but with morphological and phonological differences. Southern dialect thought more prestigious. Lexical similarity: 90% among the north and south dialects, 47% with Fordata [frd].

Language Use

Vigorous except for some northern villages. Strong users mostly over 30 years old. All domains, very limited use in religion. Also use Ambonese Malay [abs]. Also use Indonesian [ind].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 2%–5%. Literacy rate in L2: 80%. Taught as subject in primary and secondary schools. Literature. Dictionary.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Yamdena
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian.