Information concerning Torricelli languages

Where are Torricelli languages spoken ?

These languages are spoken on the North coast of Papua New Guinea, near to the Torricelli mountains.

Total number of speakers (estimate) :

Around 80 000 speakers according to Foley (2006)

Classification:

This family includes about 40 languages:

Wom

Arapesh

Bumbita

Bukiyip

Mufian

Maimai

Beli

Heyo

Siliput

Yahang

Wiaki (alternative name : Minidien)

Nambi

West Wapei

One

Seta

Seti

Monumbo

Lilau

Monumbo

Marienberg

Buna

Bungain

Elepi

Juwal

Kamasau

Urimo

Wiarumus

Wapei

Au

Dia

Elkei

Gnau

Ningil

Olo

Sinagen

Valman

Yapunda

Yau

Yil

Yis

Palei

Urim

Urat

Agi

Aruop

Aiku

Alatil (alternative name: aru)

Kombio

Urim

Urat

Wanap (alternative name: kayik)

Comments on the classification :

Our classification is based on the classification by Ross (2005)

Are the Torricelli languages endangered ?

At this time we have no information concerning the vitality of these languages. This section will be further developed later.

Sources & links

Ross, Malcolm. «Pronouns as a preliminary diagnostic for grouping Papuan languages ». in Andrew Pawley, Robert Attenborough, Robin Hide, Jack Golson, eds.. Papuan pasts: cultural, linguistic and biological histories of Papuan-speaking peoples. Canberra: Pacific Linguistics. (2005).

Foley, William A. The languages of New Guinea, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (2006)

For further information: dedicated page on Wikipedia.