Kilivila

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
kij
Alternate Names
Kiriwina
User Population

40,000 (Senft 2020).

Location

Milne Bay province: Trobriand Islands.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Papuan Tip, Peripheral, Kilivila-Louisiades, Kilivila
Dialects

Kitava, Vakuta, Sinaketa. Lexical similarity: 68% with Muyuw [myw].

Language Use

Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use English [eng] (Senft 2010). Some also use Hiri Motu [hmo], especially elderly (Senft 2010). Also use Dobu [dob]. Used as L2 by Gumawana [gvs], Muyuw [myw].

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 2011.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kilivila
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Many schools. Christian, traditional religion.