KI01-003 - The languages of South Bougainville

A story told by Lawrence Poduga. There are five main languages spoken in South Bougainville. They are called “Luubala”, now Telei language for Buin, “Mako makota’” or “Motuna” for Taumagi or Siuwai, “Sigi sigilo” for the Pulia or Baitsi multilingual speakers, “Sibe” for Silii or Nagowis and “Sounaali” for the Banoni and Torokina of the South West Coast. Although the languages are different, there are some words that are exactly the same and some words that are similar in all 5 languages. The small minority between Siuwai, Nagowis and Banoni are the Baitsi people who have their own language of Sigi sigilo, and also multilingual speakers of Mako makota', Sibe and Sounaali.. Language as given: