Biak

BHW

threatened

Alternate Names: Biak-Numfor, Mafoor, Mafoorsch, Mefoor, Myfoorsch, Noefoor, Noefoorsch, Nufoor

Dialects: Ariom, Bo’o, Bosnik, Dwar, Fairi, Jenures, Kamer, Korido, Korim, Mandusir, Mapia, Mios Num, Mofu, Monoarfu, Opif, Padoa, Penasifu, Rumberpon, Samberi, Sampori (Mokmer), Sor, Sorendidori, Sorido, Sundei, Vogelkop, Wadibu, Wardo, Wari, Warsa. Some consider Biak and Numfor dialect 2 languages.

Genealogy:

Austronesian
Malayo-Polynesian
Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian
Eastern Malayo-Polynesian
South Halmahera-West New Guinea
West New Guinea
Cenderawasih Bay
Biakic

Demographics: 30,000 (Wurm 2000). L2 users: A few thousand L2 users.

Language Use: Potentially endangered (2000 S. Wurm). Strong influence from Indonesian [ind]; younger generation losing command of it; many prefer Indonesian (Wurm 2007).

Language Development: NT: 1990.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Indonesia

Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.