Melpa

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A language of Papua New Guinea

ISO 639-3
med
Alternate Names
Hagen, Medlpa, Metlpa
Autonym
Melpa
User Population

100,000 (Stewart et al 2011).

Location

Western Highlands province: Hagen district.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Trans-New Guinea, Chimbu-Wahgi, Hagen, Melpa
Dialects

Tembagla (Temboka), Northern Melpa, Central Melpa. Only slight dialect differences.

Language Use

Vigorous. Used by all. Also use English [eng], especially young people. Also use Tok Pisin [tpi], especially young people. Used as L2 by Bo-Ung [mux], Kyaka [kyc], Umbu-Ungu [ubu].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 5%–15%. Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. Dictionary. NT: 1965–2018.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Melpa
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Traditional religion, Christian.