Warapu
[aka Barupu, Varofu, Waropu]Classification: Sko
·endangered
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Endangered
20 percent certain, based on the evidence available
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a few hundred?
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In 1983, 1,602 speakers were reported, including 442 non-residents. Language use was vigorous then. However, in November 1998, a tsunami almost completely annihilated the population in the disaster area and there were hardly any Warapu speaking survivors in that area, and almost the only Warapu speakers were those who were absent from the area, i.e. non-resident speakers living elsewhere. Their number may be a few hundred.
- MORE ON VITALITY
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The language is now endangered, or even seriously endangered in view of the scattered nature of the surviving Warapu speakers.
- More on Orthography
No literacy
- PLACES
- Papua New Guinea
- LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Sandaun Province. Spoken on a part of the northwestern coast of Papua New Guinea on the northwest peninsula of the Sissano lagoon which is between Vanimo and Aitape.