Malalamai

MMT

shifting

Alternate Names: Bonga, Garpunei

Genealogy:

Austronesian
Malayo-Polynesian
Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian
Eastern Malayo-Polynesian
Oceanic
Western Oceanic
North New Guinea
Ngero-Vitiaz
Ngero
Bariai

Demographics: 900 (2011 SIL).

Language Use: Endangered (2000 D. Tryon). Under pressure from neighboring languages, such as Malasanga [mqz] and Tok Pisin [tpi], which the children prefer.

Nation of Origin: Papua New Guinea

Other Comments: People say Malalamai and Bonga names were given by the Australian administration. Bonga village is called Garingei by residents. Malalamai village residents call their village and language Garpunei. No residents could provide an agreed upon language name, though they agree it is the same language.