"The extinction of the four languages is the result of no more speakers,"Jayapura (ANTARA) - Intermediate Expert officer at the Papua Language Center, Antonius Maturbongs, stated that his side is currently continuing to revitalize local languages in Papua to prevent them from going extinct.
"Revitalization is being carried out, so that local languages do not experience extinction following the decreasing number of local language speakers," Maturbongs stated in Jayapura, Tuesday.
He explained that the Papua Language Center will continue to collaborate with the local government in Papua to conduct revitalization to prevent more local languages from becoming extinct.
Revitalization has been carried out since 2022 for several languages, including Sentani, Tobati, Marin, Beaboa, Sobey, Kamoro, Biak, Moi, Hatam, and Dani.
The 10 languages, which are the current focus of the Papua Language Center, are spread across the provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, West Papua, and Southwest Papua.
"Hopefully, with continuous revitalization, this language will not become extinct because its speakers will increase," Maturbongs affirmed.
Maturbongs admitted to several languages having reportedly become extinct in Papua due to the lack of language speakers.
The extinct languages are Tandia in Wondama Bay and Air Matoa in Kaimana, both in West Papua, as well as Mapia in Supiori and Mawes in Sarmi District, both in Papua.
"The extinction of the four languages is the result of no more speakers," he stated.
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Translator: Evarukdijati, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Arie Novarina
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