The Bulaka River languages are a pair of closely related Papuan languages, Yelmek and Maklew, spoken along the Bulaka River in Indonesian South Papua. Their speakers are ethnically Yab, and their speech is known as Yabga.
Facts
Disputed
Proto-Language StatusRoss (2005) tentatively placed Bulaka River in a proposed Trans-Fly-Bulaka River family; the link is not universally accepted. Usher, who has worked on reconstructing the family, treats Bulaka River as an independent primary language family with no established outside connection. 1 Ross (2005) proposed a Trans-Fly-Bulaka River grouping; Usher treats Bulaka River as an independent primary family with no established outside connection. Partially Attested
Speaker CountCombined estimate across the family's two languages: Yelmek approximately 400 speakers (1978, cited here); Maklew approximately 120 speakers (undated, Wikipedia Maklew language, not separately cited in this pass). RegionBulaka River watershed, Merauke Regency, South Papua, Indonesia 1 Sources
1. Wikipedia: Bulaka River languages
WikipediaInfobox, region field
Tubang and Ilwayab subdistricts, Bulaka River watershed, Merauke Regency, South Papua
Classification section
Ross (2005) tentatively included these languages in the proposed Trans-Fly-Bulaka River family
View the Source 2. Wikipedia: Yelmek language
WikipediaInfobox, Native speakers fieldQuote, Infobox, Native speakers field
(400 cited 1978)
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.