Discussion
In UNESCO’s Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger (Moseley 2010), Taloki is rated as 3/Definitely Endangered because of the few number of speakers and reported bilingualism with Muna (see Wurm 2007:540), and we retain this rating. At present, however, we have no baseline studies to measure whether the language is shifting or how quickly. Because even our best information is minimal and dated, we urge that both locations where this language is spoken be revisited to assess the current endangerment status of the Taloki language.
What Others Have Written
Mead (1999:42)
Taloki speakers live in a predominantly Muna-speaking region, and they claim to be bilingual in Muna. Despite their small numbers, Taloki speakers have maintained their language, continuing to use it at home and with their children, at work and at festivals.
Wurm (2007:540)
No literacy in it. In 1995, 500 speakers were reported, and 400 before that. High level of bilingualism in the large Muna language, and there is pressure from Indonesian. The language is potentially endangered.
References
Mead, David E. 1999. The Bungku-Tolaki languages of south-eastern Sulawesi, Indonesia. (Pacific Linguistics, D-91.) Canberra: Australian National University.
Moseley, Christopher (ed.) 2010. Atlas of the world’s languages in danger, 3rd ed., entirely revised, enlarged and updated. (Memory of Peoples Series.) Paris: UNESCO Publishing.
Wurm, Stephen A. 2007. Australasia and the Pacific. Encyclopedia of the world’s endangered languages, edited by Christopher Moseley, 425–577. New York: Routledge.
