Kanum, Ngkâlmpw

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
kcd
Alternate Names
Enkelembu, Kanum, Kenume, Knwne, Ngkolmpu, Ngkontar Ngkolmpu
User Population

100 (Evans et al 2018).

Location

Papua province: Merauke regency, Onggaya, Tomer, and Yanggandur villages south along Papua New Guinea border.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
South-Central Papuan, Morehead-Upper Maro, Tonda
Dialects

None known. Kanum varieties are separate languages, with difficult mutual intelligibility. Reportedly similar to Yei [jei]. Also classified as Australian, Pama-Nyungan.

Language Use

Home, hunting camps. Some young people, all adults. Also use Indonesian [ind], as a trade language or for official purposes. Also use Morori [mok], as a trade language.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 5%. Grammar.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kanum, Ngkâlmpw
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

One ethnic group with Kanum varieties. Clan marriages common, and much ritual exchange. Christian.