Dibiyaso language


Dibiyaso 'Bainapi' is a Papuan language of Western [Province, Papua New Guinea].

Classification

It is sometimes classified with the Bosavi languages. Søren Wichmann tentatively considers it to be a separate, independent group. Pawley and Hammarström note that similarities between Bosavi and Dibiyaso are likely due to loanwords, therefore leaving Dibiyaso as unclassified.
There is 19% lexical cognacy with Turumsa, suggesting contact or perhaps even a genetic relationship with Doso–Turumsa.

Distribution

Dibiyaso is spoken in Bamustu, Makapa, and Pikiwa villages of Gogodala [Rural LLG], Western Province, Papua New Guinea.

Vocabulary

The following basic vocabulary words are from Franklin and Voorhoeve, Reesink, and Shaw, as cited in the Trans-New Guinea database:
glossDibiyaso
headbisikoki; bisikɔki; dagata; dapokala
hairbisikaka; bisi kaka
earkosoropa; kosořopa; kɔsɔrɔpa
eyeusa
nosedeimu; demu
toothbeserepa; beseřepa
tonguemetata; mɛtɛtʌ; mɛtɛta
legtupa
lousepe
dogsapo
pigapo
birdmeta; mɛta
eggkwapa; motakapa
bloodbalipa; baripa; memere
boneki
skinbaua
breastbu; burukopa
treebesa; bosa
mansau
womantawa͗e; tawoi; tawɔi
sunmale; nane
mooniliɛpɛ; irepe
waterdaia; daiya
firebetate; darau; dařau
stonekaɔ; kɔ
road, pathiti
nameyo
eatna-
onemakate
twoařapa