Nedebang
[aka Klamu]Classification: Timor-Alor-Pantar
·critically endangered
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Critically endangered
100 percent certain, based on the evidence available
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~200
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approximately 500 in Balungada
- DATE OF INFO
- 2004
- DOMAINS OF USE
-
- SPEAKER NUMBER TRENDS
-
- TRANSMISSION
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- MORE ON VITALITY
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"The age of the youngest fluent speakers is approximately 40... The language is not used on a daily basis in households, and with the rare exception school-age children have no knowledge of even basic phrases." (As of 2004, the age of the youngest fluent speakers was around 50)
- GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
- no
- INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
- no
- OTHER LANGUAGES USED BY THE COMMUNITY
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Indonesian
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Alor Malay
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Teiwa
- LANGUAGE CONTEXT COMMENTS
"Religion plays a significant role in the social and linguistic dynamics of the region. With the exception of Air Panas, the people of Balungada are Christian, and most residents are of Klamu descent. In contrast the people of Baulang and the Air Panas are Islamic and contain significant populations of Austronesian-speakers who have migrated from Baranusa. The language thus appears to be more viable in Balungada."
- PLACES
- Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia
- LOCATION DESCRIPTION
the island of Pantar in the Indonesian province of Nusa Tenggara Timur
- ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
"The Nedebang language is spoken today primarily in three locations: Balungada , Air Panas, and Baulang. Air Panas is administratively a part of the village of Balungada but is separated by approximately 1 km from Balungada proper. Balungada is located approximately 3.5 km south of the district capital of Kabir, accessible by paved road. Baulung is located a further two hours walk along a trail from Balungada across a high ridge. This trail can reportedly be traversed by a (rugged) motorbike."