Kovai

Demographics: 6,000 (2011 SIL). Ethnic population: 6,300.

Language Use: Vigorous. Retained despite pressure from Tok Pisin [tpi]. Use in first 3 years of primary education and geographic isolation on an island help language maintenance. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Tok Pisin [tpi] used with outsiders (health personnel, government officials, including police) and also in church services alongside Kovai.

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 30%–40%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%–60% (Tok Pisin). Taught in primary schools. Poetry. Bible portions: 1993–2008.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Papua New Guinea

Other Comments: All but 2 villages situated in an ancient caldera on this volcanic island. Traditional religion, Christian.