Alternate Names: Chimbu, Simbu
Dialects: Kuman, Nagane (Genagane, Genogane), Yongomugl.
Status Notes: Major area language used as a trade language for all the other Chimbu languages.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 115,000 (2000 census), increasing. Few monolinguals.
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. Oral use in local administration, religion, local commerce. All ages. Positive attitudes. 40,000 can also use English [eng] or neighboring languages. Almost all also use Tok Pisin [tpi]. Used as L2 by Chuave [cjv], Dom [doa], Golin [gvf], Nomane [nof], Salt-Yui [sll], Sinasina [sst].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 15%. Literacy rate in L2: 35%–40%. Used in first 3 grades in school. 20,000 can read and write Kuman. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. NT: 2008.
Typology: SOV; clause chaining, auxiliary verbs with adjuncts.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Papua New Guinea
Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.