Ambel

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
wgo
Alternate Names
Amber, Amberi, Siam, Waigeo, Waigiu
User Population

1,600 (Arnold 2018).

Location

West Papua province: Raja Ampat regency, Waigeo Selatan sub-district, Go, Kabare, Kabilol, Nyandesawai, Selegop, Waifoi, and Warsanbin villages in north central Waigeo island off western Bird’s Head.

Language Maps
Language Status

7 (Shifting).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, South Halmahera-West New Guinea, West New Guinea, Cenderawasih Bay, Raja Ampat
Dialects

Metnyo, Metsam.

Typology

SVO; mainly head initial; dual and paucal numbers; subject marked on verb; 14 consonant and 5 vowel phonemes; tonal (high, toneless); 5 distinct possessive constructions; inclusive/exclusive pronouns; verb serialization.

Language Use

Home only. Adults only. Shifting to Papuan Malay [pmy].

Language Development

Grammar.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Ambel
Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.