[Mihalic] apo

[C A Volker]

Re the query about "apo"--

An Eastern Highlander should check me on this, but I remember from when I lived
there that apo was used in Tok Pisin and English as a term of address (Apo, yu
go we nau?). It can refer to men or women and is a strong marker of friendship
and solidarity.

I don't remember it being used as an ordinary noun, e.g., *Em apo bilong mi or
*Mi no gat apo nau.

Since it is used much more in the Goroka area than in Kainantu, I suspect its
origin is in Gahuku or another language near Goroka.

In Goroka, it is used to address people of any ethnic group, but outside the
EHP, I've only heard it used to address Eastern Highlanders or by Eastern
Highlanders to address their close friends.

Craig Volker