New Caledonian languages

Updated on Dec 12, 2023

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Geographic distribution New Caledonia		Glottolog newc1243

Linguistic classification Austronesian Malayo-Polynesian Oceanic Southern Oceanic New Caledonian – Loyalties New Caledonian

The thirty New Caledonian languages form a branch of the Southern Oceanic languages. Their speakers are known as Kanaks.

Map of New Caledonia

Loyalty Islands family: Drehu (Lifou Island), Iaai (Ouvéa Island), Nengone (Maré Island)

Mainland New Caledonian

Southern New Caledonian

Extreme Southern: Dumbea, Numee

South Southern

Xaracuu–Xaragure: Xârâcùù, Xaragure

Zire–Tiri: Tiri (Méa), Zire

Wailic: Ajië, Arhö, Arhâ, Neku, Orowe

Haeke*

Northern New Caledonian

Central Northern: Cemuhî, Paicî

Vamale*

Haveke*

North Northern

Hmwaveke:* Bwatoo, Hmwaveke, Waamwang

Nemi: Fwâi, Jawe, Nemi, Pije

Pwaamei

Pwapwa

Extreme Northern: Caac, Kumak (Nêlêmwa-Nixumwak), Yuaga, Nyâlayu

The languages of the northern Voh–Koné area (*) are often discussed as a unit.

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