Äiwoo

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A language of Solomon Islands

ISO 639-3
nfl
Alternate Names
Ayiwo, Aïwo, Gnivo, Lomlom, Naaude, Nifilole, Nivo, Reef Islands, Reefs
User Population

8,400 (1999 SIL), increasing.

Location

Temotu province: Santa Cruz Islands, primarily the Reef islands: Fenualoa, Lomlom, Nibanga Nede, and Nibanga Temaa. Many villages scattered along Honiara and Santa Cruz north coast.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz
Typology

OVS.

Language Use

Vigorous. Religious services, commerce. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Good speakers respected, Pijin borrowings disliked. A few also use English [eng]. Also use Pijin [pis]. Also use Vaeakau-Taumako [piv]. Used as L2 by Engdewu [ngr], Vaeakau-Taumako [piv].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 25%–50%. Orthography not standardized so few readers. Literature. Radio. Grammar.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Äiwoo
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian.