Kewapi Language

The purpose of this review is twofold and the first is to publicize this book The Kewapi Language of Papua New Guinea  to interested readers and in particular the Kewapi speakers of Southern Higlands, living at home and in other parts of the country. Those who study language will find this book interesting, especially those working on morphology and syntax. It poses an important challenge to many other languages in PNG that there is a need for most of them to be studied and their syntax, grammar, verbs, etc., are recorded. Therefore another purpose of this review is to draw attention to the importance in study and record of languages in Papua New Guinea.

Dr Apoi Yarapea showing a copy of his book The Kewapi Language of Papua New Guinea

The Kewapi Language of Papua New Guinea was written by Dr Apoi Yarapea.' The book  resulted from  his doctoral thesis Morphosyntax of Kewapi Language conferred by the Australian National University in 2006. An electronic copy of the thesis is kept at Matheson Library, PNG University of Technology. The abstract of the thesis may be viewed freely on the university's website.

At the beginning of the book there are black and white illustrations including a map of Southern Highlands specifically showing where the language is spoken. The book is appropriately organized for study. Abbreviations used are clearly explained in the beginning and at the end there is an excellent index as well as references. In-text citations clearly lead the readers to other works on the subject.    It is hard cover and sells at  K150 per copy and may be purchased from the University of PNG Bookshop.

The study and description of how words are formed in language is known as morphology. That is largely the main part of this book. Specific topics such as phonology (sound system), grammar, noun, verbs, and verb  structures and phrases, are treated in various chapters of the book.

This work secures further Kewapi language because it adds on to the existing literature (previous studies) that have been conducted on this language. In addition, and my own view, it makes Kewapi a language for development, especially in the modern era. The Kewapi speakers have a broader understanding of their language. They are able to communicate orally and in writing. They identify with local and world events and issues and are able to make informed decisions relating to their local needs. Furthermore, the Kewapi cultural practices are guaranteed continuity.

 What about other languages in the country?

Other languages have been studied and recorded in Language and Linguistic studies and Anthropology however, there  are others that are in danger of disappearing or on the brink of extinction. For example, Makolkol, in East New Britain,  is listed under  Highly Endangered Languages as shown in SIL's webpage. There is also discussion in Wikipedia on  endangered languages in PNG. I am from East New Britain but to date I have not heard anyone speaking the Makolkol language. I hear and read from time to time Baining people talking, singing, and writing.

The preservation of our languages is not only the responsibility of government institutions and other organizations, but all capable individuals and groups in the communities.

Cover page of the Kewapi Language of Papua New Guinea.

References
Yarapea, Apoi. 2013. The Kewapi Language of Papua New Guinea. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea University Press.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_endangered_languages_in_Papua_New_Guinea (23/09/2016)

www-01.sil.org/pacific/png/endangered.asp (23/09/2016)