Ontong Java language


The Ontong Java is a Polynesian language located on the Ontong Java Atoll, also known as the Luangiua Atoll or Lord Howe island, of the Solomon Islands. There are two dialects that are also spoken on the island; which are Luangiua and Pelau. Ontong Java is commonly used by all speakers, young and old. There is approximately 2,370 residents of Ontong Java Atoll and has approximately 2,400 speakers living on the atoll.

Classification

Ontong Java is closely related to the Ellicean languages of Polynesia. Which is also a closely related language of 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

An older source lists two additional vowels, and.

Grammar

Ontong Java word order is normally VSO and SVO created through the Ontong Java community.