Indonesia is rich in language and culture. Every region in Indonesia has its own typical language, including West Papua. Let’s get to know more about the regional language of West Papua.
You might be surprised because of the various distinctive languages that exist in this region. Without further ado, let’s check this out!
Typical Regional Languages of West Papua
The first piece of information you need to know is that there are 102 languages in the province of West Papua. It might not be easy to know it deeply if you do not stay in the region. It is because to be able to speak one language, you must often use it, or you should stay in the region where the language comes from.
Here are some West Papua language names for every region. In this part, we are going to discuss 8 regional languages in West Papua:
1. Abun
This language exists in Kampung Wau in the Abun District of Tambrauw Regency, West Papua.
2. Abun Gii (Abun Jii)
You will be able to hear this typical language in Kampung Werur in Bikar District, Tambrauw Regency.
3. Abun Ji
This language comes from Kampung Jokte in the Sausapor District of the same regency as above.
4. Air Matoa
Air Matoa language comes from Kampung Rurumo in the Etna Bay District of Kaimana Regency.
5. Ambel
It is from Kampung Warsamdin in Mayalibit Bay District of Raja Ampat Regency.
6. Amber
This language comes from Kampung Kawe in the West Waigeo District of the same regency as Ambel.
7. Arandai
This language is found in Kampung Botonik, located in the Arandai District of Bintuni Bay Regency.
8. Arguni
People that live in Kampung Arguni and Kampung Taver in the Arguni District of Fak-fak Regency speak this language. According to the society there, in the east Kampung Arguni, there is Kampung Fior who speaks a different typical language, Bedoanas.
While in the west, Kampung Ugar speaks Sekar Onim. In the north, Kampung Otoweri speaks Kemberano, and in the south, Kampung Andamata with its typical language Bedoanas.
Getting to Know More of Typical Regional Languages in West Papua
Very interesting to know that there are more than one hundred specific languages in one province. Here are the other ones for you to know.
1. Batanta
This typical language exists in the society who live in the south of Batanta island; namely, they are who stay in Kampung Yenanas and Kampung Wailebet.
2. Tepin
It is the language that the residents use in Kampung Samate, Solo, Kapatlap, and Kalyam. The unique thing is that every kampung or village has a different dialect of this typical language.
3. Misool
People living in Kampung Lilinta, Harapan Jaya, Gamta, Usaha Jaya, Yelu, Fatanpal, and Waigama use this language daily. For additional information, most people who live in those villages are Muslims. Misool has also become the daily language of people in Samate and Sailolof.
4. Matbat
The real residents of Misool use this language. They are widely spread in the village of Aduwei, Folley, Magay, Tomolol, Lenmalas, Kapatcool, Alkari, and Salafen.
That is 4 more typical regional languages in West Papua. There are still many more to discuss. You can find many resources that elaborate more on them.
Learn West Papua’s Regional Language in Everyday Life
When you have friends or relatives from Papua, you would know the difference when they speak Bahasa Indonesia. Some people understand easily because, more or less, the language they use also adopts Bahasa Indonesia.
For example, in the Indonesian language, we say, “Saya sudah bilang” (I told you), but West Papua people would say, ‘Sa su bilang.” Interesting! They cut some parts of the words, yet they were still understandable.
Here’s another example, in the Indonesian language, we say, “Dia sudah tidur.” (she has slept), but West Papua people would say it, “Dorang su sono.”
Well, isn’t it interesting to know and learn other languages? Hopefully, this discussion of the regional language of West Papua is beneficial and enriches your outlook.
