Papuan language spoken in Indonesia
Kwerba is a Papuan language of Indonesia. Alternate names are Airmati (Armati), Koassa, Mataweja, Naibedj, Segar Tor, Tekutameso.
Kwerba is spoken in Apiaweti, Aurime, Munukania, Tatsewalem, and Wamariri villages in Sarmi Regency.[2]
Phonology
- The consonants /p k/ can be heard as [ɸ x] intervocalically.
- The plosive and affricate consonants can be aspirated word-finally.
- /s/ sometimes varies to [h] word initially and intervocalically for some speakers.
- /r/ does not occur word-initially.
Stress occurs on the penultimate syllable.[3]
Pronouns
Kwerba nominative pronouns as given in Foley (2018):[4]
|
singular |
dual |
plural
|
1st person
|
excl
|
co |
nano’ |
nino
|
incl
|
na’no |
neno
|
2nd person
|
am |
nono |
nom
|
3rd person
|
iiniim |
iinembwano |
iinembwa
|