Polynesian languages
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.
| Polynesian languages | |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity: | Polynesian people |
| Geographic distribution: | Polynesia, with outliers in Melanesia and Micronesia |
| Linguistic classification: | Austronesian
|
| Subdivisions: | |
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]
Immigrant populations
| Language | Number of speakers in Australia[5] | Number of speakers in New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Cook Islands Māori | 5,119 | 7,725 |
| Māori | 11,746 | 50,000 fluent 149,000 with some knowledge |
| Niuean | 253 | 5,400 |
| Samoan | 44,875 | 86,403 |
| Tokelauan | 956 | 1,144 (mainland), 1,400 (Tokelau) |
| Tongan | 17,694 | 31,839 |
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". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ↑ "Lapita culture". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ↑ "A Brief History of New Zealand | New Zealand Now". www.newzealandnow.govt.nz. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ↑ "Polynesian culture | History, Religion, Traditions, & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ↑ "Language used at home | Australia | Community profile".
