Kaian (Kayan) is a Ramu language of Kaian village () in Yawar Rural LLG, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.

Phonology +ConsonantsLillie, Pat; Easton, Catherine (2004). Kaian Organised Phonology Data. SIL International.LabialAlveolarPalatalVelarGlottalPlosive PrenasalizedFricativeNasalApproximant /p t k/ are aspirated preceding a vowel. /k/ is heard as [ʔ] word-finally or preceding another plosive. /dʒ/ can be pronounced [ʒ] or [z] by some speakers. /r/ is voiceless [r̥] word-finally. +VowelsFrontCentralBackHighMidLow

Additionally, the following diphthongs have been observed: /ai/, /au/, /ae/, /ao/, /ea/, /ia/, /iu/, /oa/, /oi/, /ou/, /ua/.

Stress is always found on the antepenultimate syllable. On shorter words, stress falls on the initial syllable.

References