Kele language (New Guinea)

Kele is an Oceanic language spoken on the north coast of Papua New Guinea, specifically in the Madang Province. It belongs to the Rai Coast subgroup of the North New Guinea languages. The primary location of Kele speakers is the coastal region around Saidor.

The language is related to other nearby languages such as Asas, Mindiri, and Siroi. While specific speaker numbers fluctuate, ethnographic surveys generally indicate that Kele has a relatively small speaker population, placing it in a vulnerable position with regard to language maintenance and potential endangerment.

Documentation of Kele is limited, though some linguistic studies have been conducted focusing on its phonology, grammar, and lexicon. Efforts to preserve and revitalize the language may be underway by community members and external organizations, although detailed information on such initiatives is not readily available in widely accessible academic sources. The language's vitality is likely impacted by factors such as language shift towards Tok Pisin, the national language of Papua New Guinea, and intermarriage with speakers of other languages.