Sawila

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
swt
Alternate Names
Manata, Sawali, Tanglapui, Tanlapui, Wullili
User Population

3,000 (Grimes et al 1997).

Location

East Nusa Tenggara Province; southeast Alor island, between Kula [tpg] and Wersing [kvw] language areas.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Classification
Trans-New Guinea, West, Timor-Alor-Pantar, Tanglapui
Dialects

Sawila, Lona, Salimana, Lalamana, Sileba. Marginal intelligibility but reportedly structurally similar to Kula [tpg]; distinct historical ethnic identities.

Typology

SOV; noun head initial; 15 consonants and 12 vowels (6 short, 6 long); vowel harmony; verb serialization; inclusion/exclusive pronouns.

Language Use

Most also use Kula [tpg]. Most also use Wersing [kvw].

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Sawila
Other Comments

Many current village locations are the result of recent migrations from older locations. Christian, traditional religion.