The Sociolinguistic Situation in the Kaser Area

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Statement of Responsibility: 
Bullock, Juliann
Series Issue: 
2015-001
Issue Date: 
2015
Publisher: 
SIL International
Publisher Place: 
Dallas, Texas
Is Part Of Series: 
SIL Electronic Survey Reports 2015-001
Extent: 
73 pages
Abstract: 

Between 23 November and 2 December 2009, Robbie and Debbie Petterson (SIL), Juliann Spencer (SIL Surveyor) and Dave Wall (NTM Surveyor) undertook a survey of the languages previously referred to in the Ethnologue as Omati [mgx] and Ikobi-Mena [meb], which are located in Gulf Province near the southern coast of Papua New Guinea. Residents of the area refer to themselves as the Kaser people, even though they speak several different languages and dialects. The goals of this survey were to determine language and dialect boundaries, evaluate language vitality, and locate the Joso and Juko languages, which are mentioned in the Ethnologue but not documented.

The results of the survey indicate that there are three distinct languages within the Kaser area: Ikobi, Mouwase and Barikewa. The Ikobi language includes three different dialects: Upper Turama Kaser, Upper Kikori Kaser and Dukemi. Ethnolinguistic vitality is currently high in all three language areas, as people of all ages primarily use their own local language and have a positive attitude towards their language. Finally, Joso is actually a clan name used by Barikewa speakers in Omati village, and Juko is a clan name used by Ikobi speakers.

Publication Status: 
Published
Country: 
Papua New Guinea
Content Language: 
Work Type: 
Nature of Work: 
Entry Number: 
61932