Ontong Java language


Ontong Java is a Polynesian language spoken on the Ontong Java Atoll in Solomon Islands. Its dialects—Luangiua and Pelau—are named after the two principal inhabited islands; the name Luangiua is also commonly used to refer to the Ontong Java language as a whole.
Ontong Java is commonly used by all speakers, young and old. There are approximately 2,370 residents of Ontong Java Atoll and has an estimated 2,400 speakers living on the atoll.

Classification

Ontong Java is closely related to the Ellicean languages of Polynesia and to Sikaiana, Takuu, and Nukumanu in Papua New Guinea.

Phonology

The phoneme inventory of this language is poorly studied, and many sources have conflicting phoneme inventories.
LabialAlveolarVelarGlottal
Nasal
Plosive
Fricative
Lateral

FrontCentralBack
High
Mid
Low

An older source lists two additional vowels, and.

Grammar

Ontong Java word order is normally VSO and SVO.