Oceanic language family of Micronesia Micronesian Geographic distribution| Micronesia Linguistic classification| Austronesian * Malayo-Polynesian * Oceanic * Central–Eastern * Micronesian Proto-language| Proto-Micronesian Subdivisions| * Kosraean * Nauruan * Central Micronesian Glottolog| micr1243 Micronesian The Micronesian Languages 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[edit] 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) * Pohnpeic (Ponapeic) 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 Malaita (Solomon Islands) or in northern Vanuatu. Kevin Hughes (2020) revises Jackson's classification, especially with regards to the position of Nauruan, who states that there is no compelling argument from classifying Nauruan apart from other Micronesian languages. He proposes three hypotheses: (1) Nauruan is a primary branch alongside Kosraean, (2) Kosraean and Nauruan form a subgroup, and (3) Nauruan is a primary branch of the Central Micronesian family. ## External classification[edit] See also: Oceanic languages § Classification John Lynch (2003) tentatively proposes that the Micronesian languages may form a subclade within the Southern Oceanic languages, and specifically a sister clade to the Loyalty Islands languages within the latter family. He notes the following features that the Micronesian and Loyalties languages share in common, among other features: * Palatalized reflexes of the Proto-Oceanic bilabial series * Loss of Proto-Oceanic *p before round vowels * Unconditioned loss of Proto-Oceanic *y and (ungeminated) *q However, he does not state that this relationship is certain or even likely. He merely states "that this is something that could well be further investigated, even if only to confirm that Micronesian languages did not originate in the Loyalties."[2] ## References[edit] 1. ^ Lynch, John; Malcolm Ross; Terry Crowley (2002). The Oceanic languages. Richmond, Surrey: Curzon. ISBN 978-0-7007-1128-4. OCLC 48929366. 2. ^ Lynch, John (2003). "The Bilabials in Proto Loyalties". In Lynch, John (ed.). Issues in Austronesian Historical Phonology. Canberra: Pacific Linguistics. pp. 153-173 (171). doi:10.15144/PL-550.153. ## Further reading[edit] * Jackson, Frederick (1986), "On determining the external relationships of the Micronesian languages", in Paul Geraghty; Lois Carrington; Stephen A. Wurm (eds.), FOCAL II: Papers from the Fourth International Conference on Austronesian Linguistics, Pacific Linguistics Series C, No. 94, Canberra: Pacific Linguistics, pp. 201–238, doi:10.15144/PL-C94, hdl:1885/145382. * Hughes, Kevin (2020). The Synchronic and Diachronic Phonology of Nauruan: Towards a Definitive Classification of an Understudied Micronesian Language (PhD dissertation). City University of New York. ## External links[edit] * Micronesian Comparative Dictionary * v * t * e Micronesian languages | Nauruan| * Nauruan | Nuclear Micronesian| * Kosraean * Gilbertese * Marshallese Chuukic– Pohnpeic| | Chuukic| * Sonsorol * Tobian * Chuukese * Woleaian * Ulithian * Puluwatese * Namonuito * Tanapag * Carolinian * Satawalese * Mortlockese * Pááfang * Mapia † | Pohnpeic| * Mokilese * Pingelapese * Pohnpeian * Ngatikese * * indicates proposed status * ? indicates classification dispute * † indicates extinct status * v * t * e Austronesian languages Formosan languages | Rukaic| * Rukai | Tsouic| * Tsou * Kanakanavu * Saaroa Northern| | Atayalic| * Atayal * Seediq | Northwest Formosan| * Saisiyat * Pazeh † * Kulon † * Thao * Babuza * Favorlang † * Papora-Hoanya † East| | Kavalanic| * Basay † * Kavalan * Luilang † | Ami| * Amis * Sakizaya Siraiyac| * Siraya † * Taivoan † Southern ?| * Puyuma * Paiwan * Bunun Malayo–Polynesian Western branches of Malayo–Polynesian | Philippine (linkage) ?| | Batanic| * Itbayat * Ivatan * Yami | Northern Luzon| * Ilokano * Arta * Dicamay Agta ?† Cagayan Valley| * Isnag * Atta * Ibanag * Itawis * Yogad * Cagayan Aeta * Gaddang * Ga'dang Northeastern Luzon| * Dupaningan Agta * Dinapigue Agta * Casiguran Agta * Nagtipunan Agta * Pahanan Agta * Paranan Agta Meso-Cordilleran| | South| * Pangasinan * Ibaloi * Iwaak * Kalanguya * Karao * Bugkalot | Central| * Ifugao * Tuwali ? * Bontok-Finallig * Balangao * Kalinga * Itneg * Isinai * Kankanaey * Northern Alta * Southern Alta Central Luzon| * Kapampangan * Hatang Kayi (Remontado) Sambalic| * Abellen * Ambala * Bolinao * Botolan * Mag-antsi * Mag-indi * Mariveleño * Sambali Northern Mindoro| * Alangan * Iraya * Tadyawan Greater Central Philippine *| | Southern Mindoro| * Buhid * Hanuno'o * Tawbuid | Central Philippine| * Tagalog * Kasiguranin Bisayan| | West| * Kinaray-a * Akeanon * Caluyanon * Cuyonon * Ratagnon * Inonhan | Asi| * Asi Central| * Hiligaynon * Capiznon ? * Waray * Kinabalian * Southern Sorsogon / Gubat * Baybayanon * Porohanon * Bantayanon * Masbateño * Northern Sorsogon * Romblomanon Cebuan| * Cebuano * Boholano * Old Cebuano † South| * Surigaonon * Butuanon * Tausug * Karolanos ? * Sulod ? Bikol| * Central Bikol * Albay Bikol * Isarog Agta * Mount Iraya Agta * Mount Iriga Agta * Pandan Bikol * Rinconada Mansakan| * Davaoeño * Kalagan * Kamayo * Mamanwa * Mandaya * Mansaka Palawan| * Aborlan Tagbanwa * Palawan Batak * Palawano Mindanao| | Manobo| * Agusan * Ata Manobo * Matigsalug * Obo * Western Bukidnon Manobo * Ilianen * Binukid * Higaonon * Kinamigin * Kagayanen * Tagabawa * Sarangani * Cotabato | Danao| * Maguindanao * Maranao * Iranun Subanen| * Subanen Gorontalo– Mongondow| * Bolango * Buol * Bintauna * Gorontalo * Kaidipang * Lolak * Suwawa * Mongondow * Ponosakan Kalamian| * Agutaynen * Calamian Tagbanwa Bilic| * B'laan * Giangan * T'boli * Tiruray Sangiric| * Sangirese * Talaud * Bantik * Ratahan Minahasan| * Tonsawang * Tontemboan * Tombulu * Tondano * Tonsea Manide–Alabat *| * Inagta Alabat * Manide * Umiray Dumaget ? * Inati ? Greater Barito *| | Barito| * Malagasy * Bushi * Deyah * Malang * Witu * Ma'anyan * Paku * Lawangan * Kohin * Dohoi * Siang * Bakumpai * Ngaju * Ampanang * Tunjung Sama–Bajaw| * Abaknon * Bajaw * Mapun * Pangutaran Sama * Sama * West Coast Bajaw * Yakan Basap * Greater North Borneo *| | North Borneo *| | Northeast Sabah *| * Ida'an * Bonggi * Molbog ? | Southwest Sabah *| | Greater Dusunic *| | Bisaya–Lotud| * Brunei Bisaya * Lotud | Dusunic| * Kadazandusun * Central Dusun * Coastal Kadazan * Kuijau * Eastern Kadazan * Kota Marudu Talantang * Rungus / Momogun * Klias River Kadazan Paitanic| * Tombonuwo * Kinabatangan * Abai Sungai * Serudung Greater Murutic *| * Tatana ? * Papar Murutic| * Tagol * Timugon * Keningau * Selungai * Sembakung * Baukan * Okolod * Paluan * Ganaʼ * Kalabakan * Nonukan Tidong * Sesayap Tidong North Sarawak *| * Kenyah / Bakung * Sebob * Tutoh * Umaʼ Lasan * Wahau Kenyah * Penan ? * Kelabit * Lengilu * Lundayeh * Sa'ban * Tring * Berawan * Belait * Kiput * Narom * Tutong * Bintulu Central Sarawak| * Kajaman * Lahanan * Sekapan * Daro-Matu * Kanowit–Tanjong * Melanau * Bukitan * Punan Batu * Sian * Ukit * Burusu * Bah-Biau Punan * Sajau * Punan Merap * Bukat * Seru † * Lelak † Kayanic| * Kayan * Bahau * Modang * Segai * Hovongan * Aoheng * Aput * Punan * Krio Dayak * Murik Land Dayak| * Bakatiʼ * Sara * Laraʼ * Bukar–Sadong * Biatah * Tringgus * Jagoi * Jangkang * Kembayan * Semandang * Ribun * Benyaduʼ * Sanggau Malayo–Chamic *| | Aceh–Chamic| * Acehnese * Cham dialects * Chru * Haroi * Jarai * Rade * Roglai * Tsat | Iban–Malayan| | Ibanic| * Iban * Keninjal ? * Mualang * Remun * Seberuang | * Malay * Malaysian * Indonesian * Minangkabau * Brunei/Kedayan Malay * Bamayo * Banjar * Berau Malay * Bangka Malay * Bengkulu * Col * Duanoʼ * Haji * Jambi Malay * Jakun * Kedah Malay * Kendayan / Selako ? * Kutai Malay * Kaur * Kerinci * Kelantan-Pattani Malay * Kubu * Orang Laut * Lubu * Musi * Negeri Sembilan Malay * Orang Kanaq * Orang Seletar * Pahang Malay * Pekal * Perak Malay * Pontianak Malay * Reman Malay * Sarawak Malay * Temuan * Terengganu Malay * Urak Lawoi' Sundanese| * Sundanese * Old Sundanese † * Baduy * Bantenese * Cirebonese Rejang ?| * Rejang Moklenic ?| * Moken * Moklen Sumatran *| | Northwest Sumatra –Barrier Islands| * Enggano ? * Gayo * Mentawai * Nias * Sikule * Simeulue Batak| * Alas * Angkola * Dairi * Karo * Simalungun * Toba * Mandailing * Nasal ? Lampungic| * Lampung * Lampung Nyo * Lampung Api * Komering Javanese| * Javanese * Kawi / Old Javanese † * Banyumasan * Osing * Tenggerese Madurese| * Madurese * Kangean Bali–Sasak –Sumbawa| * Balinese * Sasak * Sumbawa Celebic| | Bungku–Tolaki| * Bahonsuai * Bungku * Kodeoha * Kulisusu * Moronene * Mori Bawah * Mori Atas * Padoe * Rahambuu * Tolaki * Tomadino * Waru * Wawonii | Muna–Buton| * Bonerate * Busoa * Cia-Cia * Kaimbulawa * Kumbewaha * Lasalimu * Liabuku * Muna * Pancana * Tukang Besi Saluan–Banggai| * Andio * Balantak * Banggai * Batui * Bobongko * Saluan Tomini–Tolitoli| * Balaesang * Boano * Dampelas * Dondo * Lauje * Pendau * Taje * Tajio * Tomini * Totoli Kaili–Wolio *| | Kaili–Pamona| * Kaili * Mbelala * Moma * Pamona * Rampi * Sarudu * Sedoa * Topoiyo * Uma Badaic ?| * Bada * Behoa * Napu Wotu–Wolio| * Kalao * Kamaru * Laiyolo * Wolio * Wotu South Sulawesi| | Bugis| * Buginese * Campalagian * Embaloh ? * Taman | Makassaric| * Makassarese * Bentong * Coastal Konjo * Highland Konjo * Selayar Seko| * Budong-Budong * Panasuan * Seko Padang * Seko Tengah Northern| * Mamuju * Mandar Massenrempulu| * Duri * Enrekang * Maiwa * Malimpung Pitu Ulunna Salu| * Aralle-Tabulahan * Bambam * Dakka * Pannei * Ulumandaʼ Toraja| * Kalumpang * Mamasa * Pattae' * Lawa * Talondoʼ ? * Toraja-Saʼdan * Lemolang Isolates| * Chamorro * Palauan Central Malayo-Polynesian languages | Bima| * Bima | Sumba–Flores| | Sumba–Hawu| | Savu| * Hawu * Dhao | Sumba| * Kambera * Mamboru * Anakalangu * Wanukaka * Pondok * Baliledo * Wejewa * Lamboya * Kodi * Gaura Western Flores| * Komodo * Manggarai * Riung * Rembong * Rajong * Kepoʼ * Wae Rana * Palu'e * Ende * Lio * Nagé-Kéo * Ngadha * Rongga * Soʼa Flores–Lembata| * Sika * Kedang Lamaholot| * Lamaholot * Alorese * Lamatuka * Lewo Eleng * Levuka * South Lembata * Lamalera * Lewotobi * Adonara * Ile Ape * Mingar Selaru| * Selaru * Seluwasan Kei–Tanimbar ?| * Kei * Fordata * Yamdena * Onin * Sekar * Uruangnirin Aru| * Barakai * Batuley * Dobel * Karey * Koba * Kola * Lola * Lorang * Manombai * Mariri * Tarangan * Ujir Timoric *| * Helong * Tetum * Uab Meto * Amarasi Central Timor *| * Kemak * Tukudede * Mambai * Bekais Wetar–Galoli ?| * Wetar * Galoli Kawaimina| * Kairui * Waimoa * Midiki * Naueti ? * Habun ? Luangic–Kisaric ?| * Romang * Kisar * Leti * Luang * Makuva Rote–Meto *| * Bilba * Dengka * Lole * Ringgou * Dela-Oenale * Termanu * Tii Babar| * Idalaka * West Damar * Dawera-Daweloor * North Babar * Dai * Masela * Serili * Southeast Babar * Emplawas * Imroing * Telaʼa Southwest Maluku| * East Damar * Teun * Nila * Serua Kowiai ?| * Kowiai Central Maluku *| * Teor-Kur West| * Ambelau * Buru * Lisela * Hukumina † * Moksela † * Sula * Mangole * Taliabo East| * Banda * Bati * Geser * Watubela * Bobot * Masiwang * Hoti † * Benggoi * Salas * Liana Nunusaku| * Kayeli † * Nuaulu * Huaulu * Manusela * Wemale * Yalahatan Piru Bay ?| * Asilulu * Luhu * Manipa * Wakasihu * Boano * Sepa-Teluti * Paulohi * Kaibobo * Hitu * Tulehu * Laha * Seit-Kaitetu * Kamarian † * Haruku * Amahai * Nusa Laut * Saparua * Latu Eastern Malayo-Polynesian languages | SHWNG| * Tandia † * Mor * Waropen * Warembori ? * Yoke ? Halmahera Sea| | Ambel–Biga| * Ambel * Biga | Maya–Matbat| * Ma'ya * Matbat Maden| * Maden * Fiawat As| * As South Halmahera| * Gane * Taba * Buli * Maba * Patani * Sawai * Gebe Cenderawasih| | Biakic| * Biak * Dusner † * Meoswar * Roon | Yapen| * Ambai * Ansus * Marau * Wamesa * Wooi * Munggui * Papuma * Pom * Serui-Laut * Kurudu * Wabo Southwest| * Yaur * Yerisiam * Umar Oceanic| | Admiralty| * Yapese ? Eastern| * Manus * Baluan-Pam * Lenkau * Lou * Nauna * Penchal Western| * Northern Kaniet † * Southern Kaniet † * Seimat * Wuvulu * Aua Saint Matthias| * Mussau-Emira * Tenis Temotu| | Utupua| * Amba * Asumboa * Tanimbili | Vanikoro| * Teanu * Lovono * Tanema Reefs–Santa Cruz| * Äiwoo * Engdewu / Nanggu * Natügu / Santa Cruz * Nalögo * Noipx Southeast Solomonic| | Gela–Guadalcanal| * Bugotu * Gela * Lengo * Birao * Ghari * Malango * Talise | Malaita– San Cristobal| * Longgu * Sa'a * Arosi * Fagani * Bauro * Kahua * Owa * Marau Wawa ? † * Toʼabaita * Baelelea * Baeggu * Fataleka * Lau * Kwara'ae * Wala * Gula'alaa * Kwaio * Dori'o * ꞋAreꞌare * Oroha Western Oceanic| | Meso– Melanesian| | Willaumez| * Bola * Bulu * Meramera * Nakanai | Bali-Vitu| * Bali * Vitu New Ireland– Northwest Solomonic| | Tungag–Nalik| * Kara * Laxudumau * Nalik * Tiang * Tigak * Tungag | Tabar| * Lihir * Madara * Notsi Madak| * Barok * Lavatbura–Lamusong * Madak St. George| * Bilur * Fanamaket * Guramalum † * Kandas * Konomala * Label * Lungalunga * Niwer Mil * Patpatar * Ramoaaina * Siar * Sursurunga * Tangga * Tolai Northwest Solomonic| * Babatana * Bannoni * Blablanga * Cheke Holo * Gao * Ghanongga * Hahon * Hakö * Halia * Hoava * Kazukuru † * Kokota * Kusaghe * Laghu † * Lungga * Marovo * Mono-Alu * Nduke * Nehan * Papapana * Petats * Piva * Ririo * Roviana * Saposa * Simbo * Solos * Teop * Tinputz * Torau * Ughele * Uruava † * Vaghua * Vangunu * Varisi * Zabana * Zazao * Tomoip North New Guinea| | Sarmi– Jayapura ?| * Anus * Bonggo * Kayupulau * Liki * Masimasi * Ormu * Podena * Kaptiau * Sobei * Tarpia * Tobati * Wakde * Yamna | Schouten| * Arop-Sissano * Sera * Sissano * Ulau-Suain * Tumleo * Yakamul * Kaiep * Kairiru * Terebu * Biem * Kis * Manam * Medebur * Sepa * Wogeo Huon Gulf| * Bukawa * Kela * Yabem * Aribwatsa † * Aribwaung * Adzera * Dangal * Duwet * Labu * Maralango * Mari * Musom * Nafi * Silisili * Wampar * Wampur * Hote * Iwal * Kapin * Kumalu * Mangga Buang * Mapos Buang * Mumeng * Piu * Vehes * Yamap * Numbami Ngero–Vitiaz| * Bariai * Gitua * Kove * Lusi * Malalamai * Mutu * Awad Bing * Bilibil * Gedaged * Marik * Matukar * Mindiri * Takia * Wab * Lamogai * Mouk-Aria * Aigon * Karore * Kaulong † * Miu * Sengseng * Aiklep * Akolet * Apalik * Avau * Bebeli * Gimi * Lesing-Gelimi * Mangseng * Solong * Lote * Mamusi * Mengen * Arop-Lukep * Karnai * Malasanga * Mur Pano * Mato * Ronji * Amara * Maleu * Mbula * Sio * Tami Papuan Tip| | Nuclear| * ʼAuhelawa * Buhutu * Bwanabwana * Oya'oya * Saliba * Suau * Unubahe * Wagawaga * Bwaidoka * Diodio * Iamalele * Iduna * Koluwawa * Maiadomu * Bunama * Boselewa * Dobu * Duau * Galeya * Molima * Mwatebu * Sewa Bay * Dawawa * Kakabai * Are * Arifama-Miniafia * Doga * Gapapaiwa * Ghayavi * Kaninuwa * Ubir * Gweda * Haigwai * Maiwala * Minaveha * Taupota * Tawala * Yakaikeke * Anuki * Gumawana | Kilivila–Misima| * Budibud * Kilivila * Misima * Muyuw Nimoa–Sudest| * Nimoa * Sudest Southern Oceanic| | North Vanuatu| | Torres–Banks| * Dorig * Hiw * Koro * Lakon * Lehali * Lemerig * Lo-Toga * Löyöp * Mota * Mwerlap * Mwesen * Mwotlap * Nume * Olrat * Vera’a * Volow * Vurës | Maewo–Ambae– North Pentecost| * Baetora * Duidui * Northeast Ambae * Raga * Sun̄wadaga * Sun̄wadia South Pentecost| * Apma * Sa * Ske * Sowa † Espiritu Santo| * Akei * Aore † * Araki * Cape Cumberland * Nokuku * Kiai * M̈av̈ea * Merei-Tiale * Mores * Sakao * Shark Bay * Tamambo * Tangoa * Tasiriki * Tolomako * Tutuba * Wusi Nuclear Southern Oceanic| | Central Vanuatu| * Aulua * Avok * Axamb * Baki * Banam Bay * Bierebo * Bieria * Dirak * Lamen * Larëvat * Lendamboi * Lewo * Maii * Malua Bay * Maskelynes * Mpotovoro * Naha’ai * Nakanamanga * Namakir * Naman * Nasarian * Navava * Neve’ei * Nevwervwer * Nguna * Ninde * North Ambrym * Northeast Malakula * Pangkumu * Port Sandwich * Sinesip * South Ambrym * South Efate * Tape * Unua * Vao * V’ënen Taut * Vovo * West Ambrym | South Vanuatu| | Erromango| * Erromanga / Sie * Sorung † * Ura * Utaha / Ifo † | Tanna| * Kwamera / South Tanna * Lenakel / West Tanna * North Tanna * Southwest Tanna * Whitesands / East Tanna * Aneityum Loyalties– New Caledonia| | Loyalty Islands| * Drehu * Iaai * Nengone | New Caledonian| | Southern| * Ajië * Arhâ * Arhö * Ndrumbea * Neku * Numèè * Orowe * Tîrî * Xârâcùù * Xârâgurè * Zire † | Northern| * Bwatoo * Caac * Cèmuhî * Fwâi * Haeke * Haveke * Hmwaveke * Jawe * Kumak * Nemi * Nyâlayu * Paicî * Pije * Pwaamei * Pwapwâ * Vamale * Waamwang † * Yuanga Micronesian| * Nauruan Nuclear Micronesian| * Gilbertese * Kosraean * Marshallese Chuukic– Pohnpeic| | Chuukic| * Carolinian * Chuukese * Mapia † * Mortlockese * Namonuito * Pááfang * Puluwatese * Satawalese * Sonsorol * Tanapag * Tobian * Ulithian * Woleaian | Pohnpeic| * Mokilese * Ngatikese * Pingelapese * Pohnpeian Central Pacific| | West| * Namosi-Naitasiri-Serua * Rotuman * Western Fijian | East| * Fijian * Gone Dau * Lauan * Lomaiviti Polynesian| | Nuclear Polynesian| * Kapingamarangi * Nuguria * Nukumanu * Nukuoro * Ontong Java * Sikaiana * Takuu * Tuvaluan Samoic| * Niuatoputapu † * Samoan * Tokelauan Eastern| * Austral * Cook Islands Māori * Hawaiian * Mangareva * Māori * Moriori † * Marquesan * Penrhyn * Rakahanga-Manihiki * Rapa * Rapa Nui * Tahitian * Tuamotuan Futunic| * Anuta * Emae * Futuna-Aniwa / West Futunan * Futunan / East Futunan * Mele-Fila * Pukapukan * Rennellese * Tikopia * Wallisian / East Uvean * West Uvean Tongic| * Niuafoʻou ? * Niuean * Tongan * * indicates proposed status * ? indicates classification dispute * † indicates extinct status *[v]: View this template *[t]: Discuss this template *[e]: Edit this template