Magɨ: An Undocumented Language of Papua New Guinea

Abstract

In this paper I introduce Magɨ, a previously undocumented speech variety of central Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Magɨ is closely related to the Aisi language; however, I argue that it should not be considered an Aisi dialect but rather a separate language. I present arguments from various domains in support of this position, including lexicon, phonology, morphology, syntax, historical change, mutual intelligibility, and language attitudes. The facts provided as evidence for these arguments also double as an outline of Magɨ structure, and I conclude that Magɨ is a separate language. The first appendix contains Magɨ and Aisi wordlists, and the second contains a short Magɨ text.