Kaian language

Kaian (Kayan) is a Ramu language of Kaian village () in Yawar Rural LLG, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.

Phonology

• /p t k/ are aspirated preceding a vowel.
• /k/ is heard as [ʔ] word-finally or preceding another plosive.
• /dʒ/ can be pronounced [ʒ] or [z] by some speakers.
• /r/ is voiceless [rÌ¥] word-finally.

Additionally, the following diphthongs have been observed: /ai/, /au/, /ae/, /ao/, /ea/, /ia/, /iu/, /oa/, /oi/, /ou/, /ua/.

Stress is always found on the antepenultimate syllable. On shorter words, stress falls on the initial syllable.

References