Tairuma

Print

Primary tabs

A language of Papua New Guinea

Alternate Names
Kerema, Tairuma’a, Uaripi
Autonym
Tairuma
User Population

4,500 (Rueck et al 2010), increasing. Ethnic population: 4,500 (Rueck et al 2010).

Location

Gulf province: Uaripi and villages near Kerema.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Dialects

Two mutually intelligible dialects (Rueck et al 2010). 91% similar or higher among all dialects (Rueck et al 2010).

Typology

SOV.

Language Use

Home, cultural events; Mixed use: School with English [eng] and Tok Pisin [tpi]; church with English [eng], Tok Pisin [tpi], Orokolo [oro], Motu [meu], Hiri Motu [hmo]. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Most also use Tok Pisin [tpi], especially young people (Rueck et al 2010). Many also use English [eng], especially young people (Rueck et al 2010). Some also use Hiri Motu [hmo] (Rueck et al 2010). Some also use Orokolo [oro], especially older adults (Rueck et al 2010). Some also use Toaripi [tqo], especially older adults (Rueck et al 2010). A few also use Opao [opo] (Rueck et al 2010). Used as L2 by Kaki Ae [tbd], Opao [opo], Toaripi [tqo].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15% (SIL).

Writing

Latin script [Latn], used since 2002, in development.

Other Comments

Christian.