Talking about the difference and also diversity of languages in Papua is indeed endless. This is because the land of Papua has more than 250 tribes. The outcome is, they speak many different languages. According to official records, there are 428 languages in Papua, one of them is Arandai Language.
Normally, in Papua, each tribe has its own distinctive language. Also, if the tribe is large in size, they will speak more than one dialect. They even speak more than one language. Then, how about the language of Arandai? Where does the language come from and then who are the speakers?
So, here are some interesting facts about Arandai, one of the regional languages of Papua!
The Areas Where the Language of Arandai is Spoken
Just like other languages in Papua, the use of the Arandai language is indeed limited to certain areas. Then, in which area is the language of Arandai spoken? In fact, the Arandai language comes from West Papua Province. To be exact, in the Botonik Village, Arandai District, Bintuni Bay Regency.
Apart from that, there are several other villages in Arandai District that speak this language. But, the number is obviously not as much as the number of speakers in the Botonik Village. Some of these villages are in Kandarin Village, Kecap Village, Irira Village, Baru Village, and Manunggal Karya Village.
However, certainly, not all villagers are fluent in the language of Arandai. This is because there are several immigrant tribes who also live in these villages. In fact, their ethnic backgrounds are very diverse. Starting from the people of Ternate, Bugis, and also Javanese. Though the number is very small.
Meanwhile, in other villages around the Botonic village, there are some villagers who speak other languages. For example, in the west, there is a Wariagar Village. Most of them speak Kamberano language. However, in the north (Baru Village) and south (Manunggal Karya Village), some of them also speak Arandai.
The Differences between the Language of Arandai with Other Languages
Basically, one of the characteristics of the language in the Papua region is its isolated nature. This means the language is unique in the terms of lexicon and phonology. It also applies to the language of Arandai which has proven to be unique.
Based on dialect metric calculations, the language of Arandai has a fairly high difference from other languages. Even with any other regionally close neighboring languages. This proves that Arandai is a language and not just a dialect.
The percentage difference between the language of Arandai and other languages is around 95,5% to 100%. For example with Wamesa language, Kuri language, and also with Sumuri language.
This makes people only able to use this language in their community. Because other outsiders will not be able to understand. Let alone people from outside the land of Papua. Most Papuan from other areas also cannot communicate by using the language of Arandai.
The Number of Speakers of the Language of Arandai
Unfortunately, there are not too many Arandai language speakers that still exist today. The main speakers of this language are the Arandai Tribe or Yaban. They live on the west side of the Wariaga River and around the Sebyar River or Timoforo. The place is located in the Bintuni Bay Regency.
However, not all Arandai people use the language. Some of them also use other kinds of languages. Then, the number of speakers of Arandai language keeps decreasing. In the record, in 1987, there were around 1.000 speakers. But, unfortunately, there are only around 176 speakers left now.
Aside from using Arandai language, the people of Botonic Village also use other languages. They will also use Indonesian, as the language of unity, to communicate with other people that come from other areas. Then, they also use Papuan Malay in daily life to communicate.
