Oroha Language and Culture

This website is dedicated to the documentation, preservation and revitalization of the Oroha language and culture.

Oroha is an Austronesian language spoken on the island of Maramasike (Small Malaita) in the central Solomon Islands. It is the traditional language of several villages on the southwest shore of the island, including Oroha, Hotararamoa, Su'urisia, Hauhonohono, Palasu'u and Rota. The Oroha language is also spoken in several Pa'u villages to the northwest, including Rokera, Koko'usurisau and Tawani'ahi'a (Parasi). The total population of these Oroha-speaking villages is about 600 people. See the language map.

Very little linguistic work has been done on Oroha. Walter G. Ivens produced a brief sketch of Oroha grammar in 1927, but much of his data does not appear to match with Oroha as it is currently spoken.

Today, Oroha is one of the most endangered languages in all of the Solomon Islands. According to Ethnologue, in 1999 there were only 38 fluent speakers remaining. Many younger people in the villages speak Solomon Islands Pijin and/or English, which they are taught in school.

Efforts are now underway to help save the Oroha language. Work is currently being done on a dictionary of Oroha, as well as a descriptive grammar of the language. In the near future, we plan to record more information on the culture and history of the Oroha people directly from the remaining fluent elders, as well as to develop teaching materials which will help the younger generations learn the language.

• Oroha Grammar Topics