Amami language
The Amami language (島口, Shimayumuta) is a member of the Ryukyuan languages. It is spoken in the Amami Islands of southern Japan.
| Amami language | |
|---|---|
| 島口 | |
| Native to | Japan |
| Region | Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Language family | Japonic
|
| Dialects | |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | Either: ryn – Northern ams – Southern (Setouchi) |
Amami is in the northern group of the Ryukyuan languages, along with Okinawan and Kunigami. There are many dialect groups of the Amami language: Amami Ōshima, Kikai, Southern Amami Ōshima, Okinoerabu, Yoron and Tokunoshima.[1] The dialects of Yoron and Okinoerabu may actually be a part of the Kunigami language.
Most Amami speakers are elderly, and younger Amami locals mainly speak Japanese.
References
- ↑ "Did you know Amami-North Okinawan is endangered?". Endangered Languages. Retrieved 2020-10-23.
