Robert@PNG

The number and variety of languages in Papua New Guinea is unbelievable. It is estimated that there are somewhere between 700 and 800 languages in this country that are currently spoken. Some suggest that this figure could be as high as 900. A tribal or local language is referred to in Tok Pisin as Tok Ples.

Apparently a third of the worlds tribal languages are spoken here and they can be divided into 14 language family groups. With close to 90% of Papua New Guineans still living in rural areas and practising traditions of their forefathers, also the folks that have moved to the cities and settlements, and maintain close ties with their lands, clans and customs, it is not surprising how many languages people around here can speak and understand.

Especially some of the older folks. It is not uncommon for some of the locals to be fluent in six or more languages and in some cases a dozen or so. Having said that - most of these languages will be lost once the current generations pass away - due to the younger generations not learning the tribal languages from their parents.

Could PNG perhaps then be described as a linguists paradise? My oath!! And they come here in the hoards. I don’t hide the fact that I am anti missionary but perhaps those groups involved in the rewriting of the Bible in a tribal language are doing some good - this effort will at least ensure the recording of a language for posterity, before it dies out and also for the benefit of future generations.

Anyway… we were at home a couple of nights ago and some how the topic of languages came into our discussion. As most of you know we have Eli’s aunt Mama Blogan (or Anna) staying with us in the granny flat out the back of the house. As far as command and number of languages (Tok Ples) that she can get by in - Mama Blogan is absolutely amazing.

(A photo of Mama taken earlier this year)

And as we were doing the lounge-room “story-ing” thing - I came up with the idea of recording the numbers and names of languages (Tok Ples) that Mama Blogan has some command over. I’m going to tell you now that I decided to stop at thirteeen - yes 13!! As we were compiling the list I was totally blown away by Mama’s modesty at what we in the west would consider an incredible skill and gift.

The list of Tok Ples that Mama has a degree of fluency in are as follows - with the name of the District and/or Province in brackets.

Keto (Daulo District - EHP)
Tapasi (Chuave District - Simbu)
Tok Pisin (Papua New Guinea)
English (can understand but not speak)
Kuman (Gembogl District - Simbu)
Kagua (Mendi - Southern Highlands)
Kamara (Chuave District - Simbu)
Sine Sine (Sine Sine District - Simbu)
Gumini (Gumini District - Southern Simbu)
Unggai (Unggai-Bena District - EHP)
Siane (Nambaiufa - Eastern Highlands)
Watabung (Daulo District - EHP)
Asaro/Mondo (Asaro District - EHP)