Kovai

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
kqb
Alternate Names
Kobai, Kowai
Autonym
Alngubin
User Population

6,000 (2011 SIL). Ethnic population: 6,300.

Location

Morobe province: Siassi district, Umboi and Rooke islands. 13 villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Trans-New Guinea, Finisterre-Huon, Huon, Kovai
Language Use

Vigorous. Retained despite pressure from Tok Pisin [tpi]. Use in first 3 years of primary education and geographic isolation on an island help language maintenance. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Tok Pisin [tpi], particularly with outsiders (health personnel, government officials, including police) and in church services along with Kovai. Used as L2 by Karnai [bbv].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 30%–40%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–60% in Tok Pisin [tpi]. Literature. Bible portions: 1993–2008.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kovai
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

All but 2 villages situated in an ancient caldera on this volcanic island. Traditional religion, Christian.