| Micronesian | |
|---|---|
| Geographic distribution | Micronesia |
| Linguistic classification | Austronesian
|
| Proto-language | Proto-Micronesian |
| Subdivisions |
|
| Glottolog | micr1243 |
) Micronesian | |
The twenty Micronesian languages form a family of Oceanic languages. Micronesian languages are known for their lack of plain labial consonants; they have instead two series, palatalized and labio-velarized labials.
Languages
According to Jackson 1983, 1986, the languages group as follows:[1]
- Nauruan
- Nuclear Micronesian family
- Kosraean
- Central Micronesian family
- Gilbertese
- Western Micronesian family
- Marshallese
- Chuukic-Pohnpeic family
- Chuukic (Chuukic)
- Ponapeic (Pohnpeic)
The family appears to have originated in the east, likely on Kosrae, and spread westwards. Kosrae appears to have been settled from the south, in the region of northern Vanuatu.
References
- ^ Lynch, John; Malcolm Ross; Terry Crowley (2002). The Oceanic languages. Richmond, Surrey: Curzon. ISBN 978-0-7007-1128-4. OCLC 48929366.