Isirawa

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
srl
Alternate Names
Okwasar, Saberi, Saweri
User Population

1,800 (Wurm 2000).

Location

Papua province: Jayapura, north coast, Sarmi regency: Amsira, Arabais, Arsania, Kamenawari, Mararena, Martewar, Nisero, Nuerawar, Perkami, Siaratesa, Waim, Wari, and Webro villages.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Tor-Kwerba, Greater Kwerba, Isirawa
Dialects

Western Isirawa, Eastern Isirawa. Reportedly similar to Kwerba [kwe]. Dialects very similar.

Typology

SOV; postpositions; noun head initial; 2 noun classes (masculine, feminine); dual number; definite suffix; nominative-accusative language; tense, aspect and mood markers; 12 consonants and 8 vowels; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.

Language Use

Potentially endangered (2000 S. Wurm). Vigorous, but losing its trade language status to Indonesian [ind]; children are beginning to prefer Indonesian (Wurm 2007). Some young people, all adults. Also use Indonesian [ind]. Used as L2 by Samarokena [tmj].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 5%–15%. NT: 2005.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Isirawa
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.