Neha Patil (Editor)

Meso Melanesian languages

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Glottolog:
  
meso1253

Meso-Melanesian languages

Geographicdistribution:
  
Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands

Linguistic classification:
  
AustronesianMalayo-PolynesianOceanicWestern OceanicMeso-Melanesian

The Meso-Melanesian languages are a linkage of Oceanic languages spoken in the large Melanesian islands of New Ireland and the Solomon Islands east of New Guinea.

Composition

The languages group as follows:

  • Willaumez linkage: Bola, Bulu, Meramera, Nakanai
  • Bali–Vitu: Bali (Uneapa), Vitu (Muduapa) [may be a single language]
  • New Ireland – Northwest Solomonic linkage
  • Tungag–Nalik family: Tigak, Tungag, Nalik, ?Laxudumau, Kara, Tiang
  • Tabar linkage: Madara (Tabar), Lihir, Notsi
  • Madak linkage: Barok, Lavatbura-Lamusong, Madak
  • Tomoip
  • St George linkage
  • Tangga
  • Sursurunga
  • Konomala
  • Patpatar–Tolai: Patpatar, Lungalunga (Minigir), Tolai (Kuanua)
  • Label–Bilur: Label, Bilur
  • Kandas–Ramoaaina: Kandas, Ramoaaina
  • Siar
  • Northwest Solomonic linkage

    • Ethnologue adds Guramalum to the St George linkage.

    The Willaumez Peninsula on the north coast of New Britain was evidently the center of dispersal.

    References

    Meso-Melanesian languages Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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