Zabana

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A language of Solomon Islands

Alternate Names

Jabana, Kia

User Population

3,360 (2003 SIL).

Isabel province: Santa Isabel island, Samasodu southwest to Kia village, northeast to Baolo village.

Language Maps

Solomon Islands

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, West

None known. Borrowings from Roviana [rug]. Reportedly most similar to Cheke Holo [mrn].

Used by all. Also use Cheke Holo [mrn]. Used as L2 by Kokota [kkk], Laghu [lgb], Zazao [jaj].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. Literature could also be used for Kokota [kkk] and Zazao [jaj]. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 2009.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Zabana

Latin script [Latn].