Language Contexts: Paluai, also known as Pam-Baluan (Papua New Guinea)
- Dineke Schokkin
Abstract
Paluai, also known as Pam-Baluan, is an Oceanic language spoken on Baluan Island in Manus Province, Papua New Guinea. The total number of speakers is estimated to be 2,000-3,000. Although Paluai is relatively vibrant and passed on to younger generations, bilingualism with Tok Pisin is ubiquitous and there may be language shift taking place in some domains. The article discusses these issues, in addition to the language’s embeddedness in its environment and socio-cultural context, both related to elements of present-day life (economy, education, religion) and more traditional aspects such as song and music, customary ceremonies and naming practices.
Keywords: Paluai, Pam-Baluan, Papua New Guinea, Baluan Island, Oceanic language, Tok Pisin
How to Cite:
Schokkin, D., (2018) “Language Contexts: Paluai, also known as Pam-Baluan (Papua New Guinea)”, Language Documentation and Description 15, 65-86. doi: https://doi.org/10.25894/ldd139
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