Avava language
| Avava | |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | Katbol |
| Native to | Vanuatu |
| Region | Central Malekula |
Native speakers | 700 (2001)[1] |
|
Austronesian
| |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 |
tmb |
| Glottolog |
katb1237[2] |
Avava, also known as Katbol or Tembimbe-Katbol, is an Oceanic language of central Malekula, Vanuatu.
The four Avava-speaking villages speak, or spoke, distinct dialects. Timbembe and Nevaar (Nɨviar) are still spoken. The Nivat (Nevat) and Bangasa (Umbrul) dialects are extinct. Bangasa/Bangsa', or more correctly Bangasak, was known as Numbuwul by its neighbors to the north; the endonym is Umbbuul [(u)ᵐʙuːl].
References
- Terry Crowley, 2006, The Avava language of central Malakula (Vanuatu)