Alternate Names: Batu, Nias Selatan
Dialects: Central Nias, North Nias (Gunung Sitoli), Northwest Nias, South Nias, West Nias.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 770,000 (2000 census).
Language Use: Vigorous. Positive attitudes. Limited proficiency in Indonesian [ind].
Language Development: Bible: 1911.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Indonesia
Other Comments: North dialect (particularly Gunung Sitoli) has high prestige and is a lingua franca in Nias. The South dialect (particularly Teluk Dalam variety) has lower prestige, especially in northern Nias, and is considered by many Nias speakers from other areas as unrefined. Christian.