Kwerba

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A language of Indonesia

Alternate Names

Air Mati, Airmati, Armati, Koassa, Mataweja, Naibedj, Segar Tor, Tekutameso

Kwerba

User Population

2,500 (1996 SIL).

Papua province: Apiaweti, Aurime, Munukania, Tatsewalem, and Wamariri villages in Apauwer river headwaters.

Language Maps

Indonesia, Eastern Papua

Indonesia, Papua enlargement

Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Tor-Kwerba, Greater Kwerba, Kwerba, Nuclear

Serikenam, Sasawa, Nogukwabai. Lexical similarity: 64% with Bagusa [bqb].

SOV; postpositions; noun head initial; 2 noun classes (large, small); dual number; definite suffix; nominative-accusative language; tense, aspect and mood markers; 15 consonants and 6 vowels; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.

Used as L2 by Samarokena [tmj].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: Below 5%. Bible portions: 1986–2001.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Kwerba

Latin script [Latn].

Traditional religion, Christian.