Tukang Besi North

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
khc
Alternate Names
Buton, Wakatobi
User Population

120,000 in Indonesia (1995 SIL). 60,000 in Maluku.

Location

Southeast Sulawesi province: Ambon, Bacan, Buru, Kaledupa, Maluku, Mongole, Runduma, Seram, Sulabesi, Taliabu, and Wangiwangi islands; Baubau and Sumbawa cities.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Celebic, Eastern, Southeastern, Muna-Buton, Tukangbesi-Bonerate
Dialects

Kaledupa (Kahedupa), Wanci (Wangi- Wangi, Wanje, Wanji, Wantji). Lexical similarity: 80% with Kaledupa and Wanci, and may be separate languages. 70%–75% with Tukang Besi South [bhq], 48% with Lasalimu [llm], 47% with Cia-Cia [cia], 40% with Kamaru [kgx], an average of 35% with other nearby languages.

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, Community; Mixed use: Religion, Education. Used by all. All also use Indonesian [ind]. Some also use Indonesian Bajau [bdl]. A few also use Cia-Cia [cia]. A few also use Kamaru [kgx]. A few also use Lasalimu [llm]. Used as L2 by Indonesian Bajau [bdl], Kumbewaha [xks].

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tukang Besi North
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

Most in Nusa Tenggara and Maluku are mixed with Tukang Besi South. Muslim.