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Polynesian languages
| Polynesian languages | |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity: | Polynesian people |
| Geographic distribution: | Polynesia, with outliers in Melanesia and Micronesia |
| Linguistic classification: | Austronesian
|
| Subdivisions: | |
The Polynesian languages are a group of languages spoken in Oceania. They all belong in the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian languages. They are mostly spoken in Polynesia, but some are spoken in nearby Melanesia and Micronesia.
There are around 30-40 Polynesian languages, with Samoan having the most speakers.[1] Other well-known Polynesian languages include Māori, Tongan, Hawaiian and Tahitian.
History
The Polynesian languages formed when Austronesians in New Caledonia (the Lapita culture) started moving to other parts of Oceania.[2] Navigation of Oceania continued until 1300AD, with the discovery of New Zealand (Aotearoa) by the Māori people.[3]
Today, there are over 2 million Polynesians, although speakers of Polynesian languages number far less due to historical reasons such as disease and colonialism.[4]
Sound changes
Throughout the Polynesian languages, many sound changes occur. They mainly exist in consonants. For example, Samoan "f" corresponds to Hawaiian "h".
Hawaiian hale - Samoan fale (house)
Hawaiian aloha - Samoan talofa (hello)
Related pages
References
- ↑ "Polynesian languages" (in en). https://www.britannica.com/topic/Polynesian-languages.
- ↑ "Lapita culture" (in en). https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lapita-culture.
- ↑ "A Brief History of New Zealand | New Zealand Now". https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/living-in-nz/history-government/a-brief-history.
- ↑ "Polynesian culture | History, Religion, Traditions, & Facts" (in en). https://www.britannica.com/place/Polynesia.
