Wersing language

Last updated
Wersing
Kolana
Native to Indonesia
Region Alor
Native speakers
3,700 (2014) [1]
Dialects
  • Kolana
  • Maneta
  • Langkuru (Pureman, Mademang)
Language codes
ISO 639-3 kvw
Glottolog wers1238
ELP Wersing
Alor-pantar map color.png
Languages of the Alor Islands. Wersing is shown at four locations around the east coast.

The Wersing language, also known as Kolana after its primary dialect, is spoken in scattered settlements around the coast of Alor in Indonesia. Due to this settlement pattern, Wersing speakers are in contact with Abui and Kamang speakers and often have some competence in these languages. [2] Though not closely related, it has cultural connections with Tukudede on the neighboring island of Timor. [3]

Contents

Phonology

Wersing consonant phonemes
Bilabial Alveolar Palatal Velar
Nasal m n ɲ ny
Plosive voiceless p t k
voiced b d ɡ
Fricative s
Semivowel w j y
Lateral l
Trill r
Wersing vowel phonemes
Front Central Back
Close i u
Mid ɛ e ɔ o
Open a

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References

  1. "The Alor-Pantar languages".
  2. Schapper, Antoinette; Hendery, Rachel (2014). "Wersing". In Schapper, Antoinette (ed.). The Papuan Languages of Timor, Alor and Pantar: Volume 1. Walter de Gruyter. pp. 439–503.
  3. Wellfelt, Emilie; Schapper, Antoinette (2013). Enriching the archival picture: The use of local sources in assessing the nature and impact of historical contact. Papers presented as part of the Panel on East Timor, the Portuguese, and the Indonesian Archipelago - Historical Sources and Methodological Reconsiderations at the International Convention of Asia Scholars 8, Macau, 24-27 June.