Lihir

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
lih
Alternate Names
Lir
Autonym
Lihir
User Population

15,000 (Hermer 2016), increasing. Ethnic population: 15,000 (Hermer 2016).

Location

New Ireland province: Lihir and 3 smaller islands.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, Tabar
Dialects

Mahur, Matakue. Little difference in the dialects of the surrounding islands. Some Mahur speakers have trouble understanding Matakue speakers (Hermer 2013).

Language Use

Home, school, church, community. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Tok Pisin [tpi] (Hermer 2013).

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 80%. Literacy rate in L2: 95%. Literature.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Lihir
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.