Rao language
Rao is a Ramu language of western Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. In older literature it was called Annaberg.
Phonology
- /w/ is often heard as [β] word-initially and intervocalically.
- /f/ has only been found word-initially.
- /h/ is very rare and may be an allophone of /g/.
- /r/ can also be realised as [l].
Additionally, the following diphthongs have been observed: /ia/, /ai/, /ea/.
Stress falls on the first syllable with a /ʔ/ in coda position. Otherwise, stress is fixed on the first syllable.