Words we carry from home.

Ateu owa — hello, or thank you. A small beginning for a language that connects people, places and generations.

Baaba ana talisi ana buki

The Misima Dictionary brings together words, useful expressions and notes on grammar. Download the complete book to read, learn and share within your family.

A few words to begin.

These meanings follow the dictionary supplied for this website. Printed page numbers differ from PDF viewer page numbers. Words may vary between villages; learn pronunciation and local usage with a fluent speaker.

Honouring the work behind the words.

Compiled by Sandra Callister and others, with illustrations by Elijah Fifita, Michael Harrar and others. Published by the Summer Institute of Linguistics, Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea. This copy was revised and reprinted in 2005; ISBN 9980-0-3055-0. The download preserves the supplied PDF and its original credits.

Keep the language in conversation.

We welcome language memories, local expressions and corrections from Misima’s speakers, elders and families. Tell us the village context and who should be credited.