# Tolai language

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Spoken by the Tolai people of Papua New Guinea

Tolai Kuanua Tinata Tuna Native to Papua New Guinea Region Gazelle Peninsula, East New Britain Province Ethnicity Tolai Native speakers (61,000 cited 1991)[1] 20,000 L2 speakers Language family Austronesian Malayo-Polynesian Oceanic Western Meso-Melanesian (St George linkage) Patpatar–Tolai Tolai Writing system Latin script (Tolai alphabet) Tolai Braille Language codes ISO 639-3 ksd Glottolog kuan1248

The **Tolai language**, or **Kuanua**, is spoken by the [Tolai people](/source/Tolai_people) of [Papua New Guinea](/source/Papua_New_Guinea), who live on the [Gazelle Peninsula](/source/Gazelle_Peninsula) in [East New Britain](/source/East_New_Britain) Province.

## Nomenclature

This language is often referred to in the literature as *Tolai*. However, Tolai is actually the name of the cultural group. The Tolais themselves refer to their language as *a tinata tuna*, which translates as 'the real language'. *Kuanua* is apparently[*[clarification needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify)*] a word in [Ramoaaina](/source/Ramoaaina_language) meaning 'the place over there'.

## Classification

Tolai belongs to the [Oceanic](/source/Oceanic_languages) branch of the [Austronesian](/source/Austronesian_languages) [language family](/source/Language_family). The most immediate subgroup is the [Patpatar–Tolai](/source/Patpatar%E2%80%93Tolai) group of languages which also includes [Lungalunga](/source/Lungalunga_language) (also spoken on the Gazelle Peninsula) and [Patpatar](/source/Patpatar) (spoken on [New Ireland](/source/New_Ireland_(island))).

## Characteristics

[New Testaments](/source/New_Testament) in Tolai: *A Buk Tabu Kalamana Ure Iesu Karisito*: "The New Holy Book about [Jesus Christ](/source/Jesus_Christ)"

Unlike many languages in Papua New Guinea, Tolai is a healthy language and not in danger of dying out to [Tok Pisin](/source/Tok_Pisin), though Tolai has many loanwords from Tok Pisin; e.g. the original *kubar* has been completely usurped by the Tok Pisin *braun* for 'brown', and the Tok Pisin *vilivil* for 'bicycle' has replaced the former *aingau*. It is considered a prestigious language and is the primary language of communication in the two major centers of East New Britain: [Kokopo](/source/Kokopo) and [Rabaul](/source/Rabaul).

Tolai lost the phoneme /s/. For instance, the word for 'sun' in closely related languages of South [New Ireland](/source/New_Ireland_(island)) is *kesakese*, and this has been reduced to *keake* in Tolai. However, /s/ has been reintroduced through numerous loanwords from English and Tok Pisin.

## Geographic distribution

Tolai is spoken on the Gazelle Peninsula in the East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea.

### Derived languages

Tolai is said to be one of the major [substratum](/source/Substrata_(linguistics)) languages of [Tok Pisin](/source/Tok_Pisin). Some common Tok Pisin vocabulary items that likely come from Tolai (or a closely related language) include:

- *aibika* (from *ibika*) – [Hibiscus manihot](/source/Abelmoschus_manihot)

- *buai* – '[betelnut](/source/Betelnut)'

- *diwai* (from *dawai*) – 'tree, wood'

- *guria* – 'earthquake'

- *kawawar* (from *kavavar*) – 'ginger'

- *kiau* – 'egg'

- *lapun* – 'elderly person'

- *liklik* (from *ikilik*) – 'small'

- *umben* (from *uben*) – 'fishing net'

## Phonology

Phonology of the Tolai language:[2]

Consonant sounds Labial Alveolar Velar Nasal m n ŋ Plosive voiceless p t k voiced b d ɡ Fricative β s Liquid rhotic r Lateral l Semivowel (w)

Vowel sounds Front Central Back High i u Mid e o Low a

Vowel sounds can also be realised as [ɪ, ɛ, ʌ, ɔ, ʊ]. /i/ can be pronounced as [j] in word-initial position.

## Grammar

### Independent pronouns

Tolai pronouns have four [number](/source/Grammatical_number) distinctions (singular, dual, trial and plural) and three [person](/source/Grammatical_person) distinctions (first person, second person and third person) as well as an [inclusive/exclusive](/source/Inclusive_and_exclusive_we) distinction. There are no [gender distinctions](/source/Grammatical_gender).

Singular Dual Trial Plural 1st exclusive iau (I) (a)mir (he/she and I) (a)mital (both of them, and I) avet (all of them, and I) inclusive - dor (thou and I) datal (both of you, and I) dat (all of you, and I) 2nd u (thou) (a)mur (you two) (a)mutal (you three) avat (you guys) 3rd ia (he/she) dir (they two) dital (they three) diat (they)

The plural pronouns lose their final *-t* when used before a verb.

- ***Da** vana!* – 'Let's go!'

- *Pa **ave** gire.* – 'We didn't see.'

- ***Dia** tar pot* – 'They have already arrived.'

### Syntax

The usual word order of Tolai is [agent–verb–object](/source/Agent%E2%80%93verb%E2%80%93object) (AVO/SVO).

### Morphology

There is an irregular pattern involving the prefix *ni-*, which changes a verb to a noun. Ordinarily, the prefix is added to the verb, as in *laun* 'to live' → *a **ni**laun* 'the life', *ian* 'to eat' → *a **ni**an* 'the food', *aring* 'to pray' → *a **ni**aring* 'the prayer'. However, in some cases it becomes an [infix](/source/Infix) ⟨*in*⟩: *varubu* 'to fight' → *a v**in**arubu* 'the fight', *tata* 'to talk' → *a t**in**ata* 'the language', *mamai* 'to chew betelnut' → *a m**in**amai* '(a small supply of) betelnuts for chewing'. This infix is inserted after the initial phoneme of the verb. It could also be described as the prefix *ni-* being added as a prefix, and the initial phoneme of the verb changing places with the *n* of the prefix.

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-e18_1-0)** [Tolai](https://www.ethnologue.com/18/language/ksd/) at *[Ethnologue](/source/Ethnologue)* (18th ed., 2015) (subscription required)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Franklin, Karl J.; Kerr, Harland B.; Beaumont, Clive H. (1974). [*Tolai Language Course*](https://www.sil.org/resources/archives/3907) (third ed.). Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea: Summer Institute of Linguistics. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-88312-207-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-88312-207-3).

## References

- Mosel, Ulrike (1984). [*Tolai Syntax and Its Historical Development*](https://archive.org/details/tolaisyntaxitshi0092mose). Canberra: Pacific Linguistics. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.15144/pl-b92](https://doi.org/10.15144%2Fpl-b92). [hdl](/source/Hdl_(identifier)):[1885/145237](https://hdl.handle.net/1885%2F145237). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-85883-309-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-85883-309-8).

- [Lynch, John](/source/John_Lynch_(linguist)); [Ross, Malcolm](/source/Malcolm_Ross_(linguist)); [Crowley, Terry](/source/Terry_Crowley_(linguist)) (2002). *The Oceanic Languages*. Richmond, Surrey: [Curzon Press](/source/Curzon_Press).

## External links

Look up ***[Category:Tolai lemmas](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Category:Tolai_lemmas)*** in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

- [Tolai Language Course](https://pnglanguages.sil.org/resources/archives/3907)

- [Language Museum page on Tolai](http://www.language-museum.com/encyclopedia/k/kuanua.htm)

- A number of collections in [Paradisec](/source/Paradisec) include [materials in Tolai](http://catalog.paradisec.org.au/collections/search?language_code=ksd)

v t e Languages of Papua New Guinea Official languages English Hiri Motu Tok Pisin Papua New Guinean Sign Language Major Indigenous languages Adzera Amanab Awad Bing Barok Bimin Bola Bugawac Dedua Dobu Iatmul Kâte Kobon Kovai Kuanua Kuman Kuot Kurti Lihir Mandara Mangseng Mbula Mende Mussau-Emira Mutu Nekgini Ngaing Niwer Mil Nobonob Numanggang Nyindrou Pele-Ata Petats Ramoaaina Seimat Solong Somba-Siawari Suau Sulka Tangga Tobo Uneapa Ura Vitu Waris Other Papuan languages Angan Akoye Angaataha Ankave Hamtai Kamasa Kawacha Menya Safeyoka Simbari Susuami Tainae Yagwoia Yipma Awin–Pa Awin Pa Binanderean Baruga Binandere Ewage Korafe Orokaiva Suena Yekora Zia Bosavi Aimele Beami Edolo Kaluli Kasua Onobasulu Sonia Chimbu–Wahgi Chuave Dom Golin Kandawo Kaugel Kuman Maring Melpa Narak Nii Nomane Salt-Yui Sinasina Tembagla Wahgi New Ireland Bilur Fanamaket Kandas Konomala Kuanua Label Niwer Mil Patpatar Ramoaaina Siar Sursurunga Warwar Feni Duna–Pogaya Duna Pogaya East Kutubuan Fasu Fiwaga Foi East Strickland Fembe Gobasi Konai Kubo Odoodee Samo Engan Angal Bisorio Enga Huli Ipili Kewa Kyaka Lembena Samberigi Eleman Kaki Ae Keoru Opao Orokolo Toaripi Tairuma Ok–Oksapmin Bimin Faiwol Mian Ngalum Ninggerum Oksapmin Setaman Suganga Telefol Tifal Urap Yonggom Teberan Dadibi Folopa Tirio Abom Baramu Bitur Tirio Were Turama–Kikorian Ikobi Omati Rumu Larger families Finisterre–Huon Kainantu–Goroka Madang Ramu–Lower Sepik Sepik Southeast Papuan Torricelli Sign languages Enga Kailge Mehek Mount Avejaha Rossel Island Sinasina Wanib

v t e Meso-Melanesian languages Willaumez Bola Bulu Meramera Nakanai Bali-Vitu Bali Vitu New Ireland– Northwest Solomonic Tungag–Nalik Kara Laxudumau Nalik Tiang Tigak Tungag Tabar Lihir Madara Notsi Madak Barok Lavatbura–Lamusong Madak St. George Bilur Fanamaket Kandas Konomala Label Lungalunga Niwer Mil Patpatar Ramoaaina Siar Sursurunga Tolai Warwar Feni Northwest Solomonic Hahon Hakö Halia Nehan Papapana Petats Saposa Solos Teop Tinputz Bannoni Piva Mono-Alu Torau Uruava Babatana Ririo Varisi Vaghua Ghanongga Hoava Kusaghe Lungga Marovo Nduke Roviana Simbo Ughele Vangunu Blablanga Cheke Holo Gao Kokota Laghu Zabana Zazao Tomoip * indicates proposed status ? indicates classification dispute † indicates extinct status

v t e Eastern Malayo-Polynesian languages SHWNG Tandia Mor Waropen Warembori ? Yoke ? Halmahera Sea Ambel–Biga Ambel Biga Maya–Matbat Ma'ya Matbat Maden Maden Fiawat As As South Halmahera Gane Taba Buli Maba Patani Sawai Gebe Cenderawasih Biakic Biak Dusner Meoswar Roon Yapen Ambai Ansus Marau Wandamen Wooi Munggui Papuma Pom Serui-Laut Kurudu Wabo Southwest Yaur Yerisiam Umar Oceanic Admiralty Yapese ? Eastern Manus Baluan-Pam Lenkau Lou Nauna Penchal Western Northern Kaniet Southern Kaniet Seimat Wuvulu Aua Saint Matthias Mussau-Emira Tenis Temotu Utupua Amba Asumboa Tanimbili Vanikoro Teanu Lovono Tanema Reefs–Santa Cruz Äiwoo Engdewu / Nanggu Natügu / Santa Cruz Nalögo Noipx Southeast Solomonic Gela–Guadalcanal Bugotu Gela Lengo Birao Ghari Malango Talise Malaita– San Cristobal Longgu Saʼa Arosi Fagani Bauro Kahua Owa Marau Wawa ? † Toʼabaita Baelelea Baeggu Fataleka Lau Kwara'ae Wala Gula'alaa Kwaio Dori'o ꞋAreꞌare Oroha Western Oceanic Meso–Melanesian Kimbe Bola Bulu Meramera Nakanai Bali Vitu New Ireland– Northwest Solomonic Tungag–Nalik Kara Laxudumau Nalik Tiang Tigak Tungag Tabar Lihir Madara Notsi Madak Barok Lavatbura–Lamusong Madak St. George Bilur Fanamaket Kandas Konomala Label Lungalunga Niwer Mil Patpatar Ramoaaina Siar Sursurunga Tolai Warwar Feni Northwest Solomonic Hahon Hakö Halia Nehan Papapana Petats Saposa Solos Teop Tinputz Bannoni Piva Mono-Alu Torau Uruava Babatana Ririo Varisi Vaghua Ghanongga Hoava Kusaghe Lungga Marovo Nduke Roviana Simbo Ughele Vangunu Blablanga Cheke Holo Gao Kokota Laghu Zabana Zazao Tomoip North New Guinea Sarmi– Jayapura ? Anus Bonggo Kayupulau Liki Masimasi Ormu Podena Kaptiau Sobei Tarpia Tobati Wakde Yamna Schouten Arop-Sissano Sera Sissano Ulau-Suain Tumleo Yakamul Kaiep Kairiru Terebu Biem Kis Manam Medebur Sepa Wogeo Huon Gulf Bukawa Kela Yabem Aribwatsa † Aribwaung Adzera Dangal Duwet Labu Maralango Mari Musom Nafi Silisili Wampar Wampur Hote Iwal Kapin Kumalu Mangga Buang Mapos Buang Mumeng Piu Vehes Yamap Numbami Ngero–Vitiaz Bariai Gitua Kove Lusi Malalamai Mutu Awad Bing Bilibil Gedaged Marik Matukar Mindiri Takia Yote Lamogai Mouk-Aria Aigon Karore Kaulong Miu Sengseng Aiklep Akolet Apalik Avau Bebeli Gimi Lesing-Gelimi Mangseng Solong Lote Mamusi Mengen Arop-Lukep Karnai Malasanga Mur Pano Mato Ronji Amara Maleu Mbula Sio Tami Papuan Tip Nuclear 'Auhelawa Buhutu Bwanabwana Oya'oya Saliba Suau Unubahe Wagawaga Bwaidoka Diodio Iamalele Iduna Koluwawa Maiadomu Bunama Boselewa Dobu Duau Galeya Molima Mwatebu Sewa Bay Dawawa Kakabai Are Arifama-Miniafia Doga Gapapaiwa Ghayavi Kaninuwa Ubir Gweda Haigwai Maiwala Minaveha Taupota Tawala Yakaikeke Anuki Gumawana Kilivila–Misima Budibud Kilivila Misima Muyuw Nimoa–Sudest Nimoa Sudest Southern Oceanic North Vanuatu Torres–Banks Hiw Lo-Toga Lehali Löyöp Mwotlap Volow Lemerig Vera’a Vurës Mwesen Mota Nume Dorig Koro Olrat Lakon Mwerlap Maewo–Ambae– North Pentecost Sun̄wadia Sun̄wadaga Baetora Duidui Northeast Ambae Raga South Pentecost Ske Apma Sa Espiritu Santo Cape Cumberland Nokuku Tolomako Wusi Akei Tasiriki Tangoa Araki Tiale Merei Kiai M̈av̈ea Tutuba Aore Tamambo Mores Shark Bay Sakao Nuclear Southern Oceanic Central Vanuatu Northeast Malakula Vao Vovo Mpotovoro Dirak Malua Bay V’ënen Taut Tape Larevat Neve’ei Naman Navava Nevwervwer Unua Pangkumu Banam Bay Aulua Lendamboi Nasarian Axamb Avok Maskelynes Port Sandwich Sinesip Naha’ai Ninde North Ambrym West Ambrym South Ambrym Lewo Lamen Bierebo Baki Mkir Bieria Nakanamanga Nguna Namakir South Efate South Vanuatu Erromango Sie / Erromangan Sorung † Ifo (Utaha) † Ura Tanna Kwamera (South Tanna) Southwest Tanna Lenakel (West Tanna) Whitesands (East Tanna) North Tanna Aneityum Loyalties– New Caledonia Loyalty Islands Drehu Iaai Nengone New Caledonian Southern Ndrumbea Numèè Xârâcùù Xârâgurè Tîrî Zire † Ajië Arhö Arhâ Neku Orowe Northern Vamale Haveke Haeke Cèmuhî Paicî Pwaamei Pwapwa Bwatoo Hmwaveke Waamwang Fwâi Jawe Nemi Pije Caac Kumak Yuanga Nyâlayu Micronesian Nauruan Nuclear Micronesian Kosraean Gilbertese Marshallese Chuukic– Pohnpeic Chuukic Sonsorol Tobian Chuukese Woleaian Ulithian Puluwatese Namonuito Tanapag Carolinian Satawalese Mortlockese Pááfang Mapia † Pohnpeic Mokilese Pingelapese Pohnpeian Ngatikese Central Pacific West Rotuman Namosi-Naitasiri-Serua Western Fijian East Fijian Gone Dau Lauan Lomaiviti Polynesian Nuclear Polynesian Tuvaluan Sikaiana Ontong Java Nukumanu Takuu Nuguria Kapingamarangi Nukuoro Pukapukan Samoic Samoan Tokelauan Niuatoputapu † Eastern Hawaiian Marqeusan Mangareva Tahitian Austral Rapa Tuamotuan Cook Islands Māori Rakahanga-Manihiki Tongareva Māori Moriori † Rapa Nui Futunic Wallisian (East Uvean) West Uvean Futunan (East Futunan) Futuna-Aniwa (West Futunan) Pukapukan Anuta Rennellese Tikopia Mele-Fila Emae Tongic Tongan Niuean Niuafo'ou ? * indicates proposed status ? indicates classification dispute † indicates extinct status

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tolai language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolai_language) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolai_language?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.