Wantoat language


Wantoat, named after the Wantoat River, is one of the Finisterre languages of Papua New Guinea. Dialects are Wapu, Central Wantoat, Bam, Yagawak, continuing on to Awara, though the last is only 60–70% lexically similar with Wantoat and Wapu. Major Wantoat villages are Gwabogwat, Mamabam, Matap, Ginonga, Kupung.

Phonology

Consonants clusters with mixed voicing occur within words:
iu
eo
ə
æ-
ɑ

Vowel sequences are.
Syllables are minimally V and maximally CVVC. Stress is distinctive but has a low functional load.