Mesem

MCI

developing

Alternate Names: Mese, “Momalili” (pej.), “Momolili” (pej.)

Dialects: East Mese, Momolili, West-Central Mese, Zezagi.

Genealogy:

Trans-New Guinea
Finisterre-Huon
Huon
Western

Demographics: 4,000 (1997 census).

Language Use: Also use Kâte [kmg], Tok Pisin [tpi], Yabem [jae].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: Over 50%. Literacy rate in L2: 5%–15%. Vernacular pre-schools since 1995. NT: 2013.

Typology: SOV; adjectives, numerals after noun heads; verb affixes mark number; CV, CVC, CVV, CCV, VC, V; nontonal.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Papua New Guinea

Other Comments: Community schools at Hobu and Samanzing. Christian, traditional religion.