Ulwa
[aka Yaul]Classification: Mongol-Langam-Ulwa
·severely endangered
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Severely endangered
100 percent certain, based on the evidence available
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600
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1,800
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300
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The figure of 600 is a rough estimate. It is based on an estimated total population of 1,800 for the four villages where Ulwa is spoken. It is assumed that only about 35% of this population is fluent in the language, since it is generally only used by people over 30 years of age, and the 0-30 year-old demographic represents about 65% of the rural populations in PNG (according to the 2011 PNG census). Of course, some people younger than 30 are also fluent, but this figure should be offset by those people older than 30 who are not speakers (mostly immigrants from other language communities).
- DATE OF INFO
- 2015
- DOMAINS OF USE
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- SPEAKER NUMBER TRENDS
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- TRANSMISSION
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- MORE ON VITALITY
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The language is not being transmitted to children. Most people older than 30 are fluent in the language, but nevertheless mostly use Tok Pisin in all domains. Some elders regularly use Ulwa, but even among this demographic there are no monolinguals, and elders rely heavily on Tok Pisin as well. People in their 20s tend to understand the language, but are unable to speak it. People younger than 20 may understand a few words, but cannot comprehend or produce even basic sentences.
- SPEAKER ATTITUDE
- Speakers view the language positively. There is a growing concern for its preservation and revitalization, as many are disappointed by the decline in use among children.
- GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
- none
- INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
- none
- OTHER LANGUAGES USED BY THE COMMUNITY
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Tok Pisin [tpi]
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Ap Ma (Botin) [kbx]
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Biwat (Munduguma) [bwm]
- LANGUAGE CONTEXT COMMENTS
There are no monolingual Ulwa-speakers, as everyone also speaks Tok Pisin. A few speakers (especially in Manu village) also know Ap Ma, and a few speakers (especially in Maruat, Dimiri, and Yaul villages) also know Biwat.
- Scripts (Writing system)
- none
- More on Orthography
Community members are interested in developing a Latin-based orthography to write the Ulwa language.
- PLACES
- Papua New Guinea
- LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Four villages in Angoram District, East Sepik Province: Manu, Maruat, Dimiri, and Yaul.
- ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The village of Manu is located along a small tributary of the Keram River, itself a tributary of the Sepik River. When water levels are high, the village is about four hours by boat (outboard motor) from Angoram town. The three villages of Maruat, Dimiri, and Yaul are located close to one another, about a four-hour walk northwest from Manu, in the direction of the Yuat River. (Travel is much more difficult in the wet season, however, when the path is much swampier.)