Zabana is an Oceanic language spoken almost exclusively in the Kia district on the northern part of Santa Isabel Island in the Solomon Islands. Zabana is considered a developing language (Expanded Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale – EGIDS – level 5) which means that the language is in vigorous use, with literature in a standardized form being used by some, though this is not yet widespread or sustainable.[1] It is one of the most spoken languages on Santa Isabel Island, competing with Cheke Holo. There is a 30% to 60% literacy rate in Zabana as a first language and a 25% to 50% literacy rate in Zabana as a second language.[1]
| Zabana | |
|---|---|
| Kia | |
 The extent of the Zabana language on the West Isabel Islands | |
| Native to | Central Solomon Islands |
| Region | Santa Isabel Island |
Native speakers | 3,400 (2003)[2] |
Austronesian
| |
| Official status | |
Official language in | Solomon Islands |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | kji |
| Glottolog | zaba1237 |
 Zabana is not endangered according to the classification system of the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger | |