Solomon Islands
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Äiwoo
[nfl] Santa Cruz Islands, eastern Solomons, Temotu Province, primarily Lomlom island; Fenualoa, Nibanga Nede, and Nibanga Temaa islands, many villages scattered along the north coast of Santa Cruz, and Honiara. 8,400 (1999 SIL), increasing. 4,500 on Reef Islands, Santa Cruz, 1,000 in Honiara (2000 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aïwo, Ayiwo, Gnivo, Lomlom, Naaude, Nifilole, Nivo, Reef Islands, Reefs Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz Comments: Christian.
Amba
[utp] Temotu Province, Utupua island, Aveta, Matembo, and Nembao villages. 590 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aba, Nembao, Utupua Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro, Utupua
Anuta
[aud] Anuta island. 270 (1999 SIL). Status: 8a (Moribund). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic
’Are’are
[alu] South Malaita island. 17,900 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Areare Dialects: ’Are’are, Marau (Marau Sound).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern
Arosi
[aia] Northwest Makira island. 6,750 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Dialects: Arosi, Wango. Many dialects.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal
Asumboa
[aua] Temotu Province, Utupua island, Asumbuo village. 10 (1999 SIL). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Asumbua, Asumuo Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro, Utupua
Babatana
[baa] East Choiseul island. 7,070 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: East Choiseul, Mbambatana, Sisiqa Dialects: Avasö, Babatana, Katazi, Kuboro (Kumboro), Lömaumbi, Sengan (Senga, Sengga, Sisingga). Related to Ririo [rri].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul
Baeggu
[bvd] North Malaita island. 5,900 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baegu, Mbaenggu Dialects: Baelelea [bvc] and Baeggu almost equal intelligibility of To’abaita [mlu] and Lau [llu].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern
Baelelea
[bvc] North Malaita island. 8,800 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mbaelelea Dialects: Baelelea and Baeggu [bvd] almost equal intelligibility of To’abaita [mlu] and Lau [llu].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern
Bilua
[blb] Western Province, Vella Lavella island. 8,740 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Mbilua, Vella Lavella Classification: Central Solomons
Birao
[brr] East Guadalcanal island. 5,900 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mbirao Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal
Blablanga
[blp] Santa Isabel island, Maringe district, Popoheo and Hovukoilo villages; Ghove to Biluro on Hograno coast. 1,770 (1999 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Gema, Goi Dialects: Slight dialect differences.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, Central
Bughotu
[bgt] Santa Isabel island, southeast end from Suma to Horara; Furona island off Kia district northwest coast. 4,050 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bugota, Bugoto, Bugotu, Mahaga, Mbughotu Dialects: Hageulu, Vulava. Similar to Gela [nlg] and Gao [gga]. Related to vernaculars on Guadalcanal.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Bughotu
Cheke Holo
[mrn] Central Santa Isabel island, on Maringe side, Gnulahaghe village southeast to Kuma’ihaui; Kia district, Hograno coast villages; Gao-Bughotu region, scattered villages. 10,800 (1999 SIL), increasing. 1,500 monolinguals. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: A’ara, Holo, Kubonitu Dialects: Hograno (Hogirano), Maringe (Maringhe).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, East Comments: Christian.
Dori’o
[dor] West central Malaita island. 2,410 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kwarekwareo Dialects: Lexical similarity: 71% with ’Are’are [alu].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern
Dororo
[drr] New Georgia. No remaining speakers. Extinct for several decades (Wurm 2007). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Doriri Dialects: May have been a Kazukuru [kzk] dialect.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Duke
[nke] Western Province, Kolombangara island. 2,310 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kolombangara, Ndughore, Nduke Dialects: Similar to Lungga [lga] and Roviana [rug].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West Comments: Christian, Baha’i.
Engdewu
[ngr] Santa Cruz island, 3 villages. 210 (1999 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Nagu, Nanggu, Nangu Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz
English
[eng] 10,000 in Solomon Islands (Crystal 2003). Status: 1 (National). De facto national language. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English
Fagani
[faf] Northwest Makira island. 900 (1999 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Faghani Dialects: Agufi, Fagani, Rihu’a.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal Comments: Separate from Arosi [aia] (Tryon 1982).
Fataleka
[far] Malaita island. 6,700 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Dialect of To’abaita [mlu] (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Intelligibility of Baeggu variety of To’abaita reportedly high, but of To’abaita much less. Lexical similarity: 82% with Kwara’ae [kwf], 76% with Lau [llu].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern
Gao
[gga] Central Isabel island, Tausese southeast to Floakora point, primarily in Poro. 1,220 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Nggao Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, East
Gela
[nlg] Central Solomons, Gela and Florida islands, Guadalcanal (immigrants), Savo Islands. 11,900 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Florida Islands, Nggela Dialects: Central Gela, Gela Pile, Sandfly. Similar to Lengo [lgr] in north Guadalcanal.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Gela Comments: Christian.
Ghanongga
[ghn] Western Province, North Ranonga island. 2,510 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ganongga, Kubokota, Kumbokota Dialects: Related to Lungga [lga] and Simbo [sbb].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Ghari
[gri] Guadalcanal, west, northwest, and north central coast. 12,100 (1999 SIL). 7,110 Ghari, 950 Gae, 3,020 Ndi, 490 Nginia, 550 Tandai-Nggaria. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Gari, Sughu, Tangarare, West Guadalcanal Dialects: Gae (Nggae, Qae), Geri (Nggeri), Ghari, Ndi (Vaturanga), Nginia, Tandai-Nggaria (Tanaghai).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal
Gula’alaa
[gmb] East side of Kwara’ae, Kwai and Ngongosila islands, Malaita. 1,570 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kwai, Ngongosila Dialects: May be intelligible of Lau [llu] or Kwara’ae [kwf]. Lexical similarity: 85% with Lau [llu] and Kwara’ae [kwf].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern
Guliguli
[gli] New Georgia. No remaining speakers. Extinct for decades (2007). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Gulili Dialects: Possibly was a Kazukuru dialect.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Hoava
[hoa] Western Province, New Georgia island, North Marovo lagoon. 460 (1999 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Dialects: Similar to Kusaghe [ksg].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Kahua
[agw] South Makira island. 5,170 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Anganiwai, Anganiwei, Narihua, Wanoni Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal
Kazukuru
[kzk] New Georgia. No remaining speakers. Status: 10 (Extinct). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Kiribati
[gil] Gizo island, 1 area; Choiseul island, 1 area; Honiara, Guadalcanal. 4,870 in Solomon Islands (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Gilbertese, Ikiribati Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Micronesian, Micronesian Proper, Ikiribati Comments: Relocated 1950s by the British from Kiribati. Christian.
Kokota
[kkk] Santa Isabel, northeast coast, Sisiga and Ghoveo villages; southwest coast, Hurepelo. 530 (1999 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, Central
Kusaghe
[ksg] Western Province, north New Georgia island. 2,400 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kusage, Kushage Dialects: Similar to Roviana [rug].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Kwaio
[kwd] Central Malaita island. 13,200 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koio Dialects: More similar to Kwara’ae [kwf] than to ’Are’are [alu].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern Comments: Traditional religion.
Kwara’ae
[kwf] Central Malaita island. 32,400 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Fiu Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern
Laghu
[lgb] Santa Isabel, Kia district, Baolo and Samasodu villages. 3 (Wurm 2007). In 1981, 5 speakers were reported (Wurm 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Katova, Lagu Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, West
Lau
[llu] Northeast Malaita island. 16,900 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Dialects: Dai (Ndai), Lau, Suafa.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern
Lavukaleve
[lvk] Central Solomons, Russell Islands northwest of Guadalcanal. 1,780 (1999 SIL), decreasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Laube, Laumbe, Russell Island Classification: Central Solomons
Lengo
[lgr] North and east central Guadalcanal. 13,800 (1999 SIL). 13,600 Lengo and 160 Ghaimuta. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Doku, Ruavatu, Tadhimboko Dialects: Aola, Ghaimuta (Ghua), Lengo, Paripao.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Gela
Longgu
[lgu] Guadalcanal east coast. 1,890 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Logu Dialects: Brought over long ago by settlers from Malaita; probably not intelligible with other Malaita languages.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Longgu
Lovono
[vnk] Temotu Province, Vanikolo island, Lale and Lavaka villages. 5 (2007 A. François). Old people remember a few words (Wurm 2007). Ethnic population: 120 (Wurm 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Alavana, Alavano, Vanikolo, Vanikoro, Vano Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro
Lungga
[lga] Western Province, south Ranonga island. 2,770 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Luga, Luqa Dialects: Similar to Duke [nke] (Nduke). Ghanongga [ghn] and Simbo [sbb] related but separate.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Malango
[mln] Central Guadalcanal Island. 4,140 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Teha Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal
Marovo
[mvo] Western Province, south New Georgia island, Marovo lagoon, Vangunu and Nggatokae islands. 8,090 (1999 SIL). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, East
Mono
[mte] Treasury island, Mono; Shortland island, Alu, Alo; Fauro island, Fauro. 3,340 (1999 SIL). 660 Mono, 2,270 Alu, 14 Fauro. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Alu, Mono-Alu Dialects: Alu (Alo), Fauro, Mono.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Mono-Uruava
Nalögo
[nlz] Temotu Province, south Santa Cruz island, Nea, Nooli, and Bibö villages. 1,620 (2007 census), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Nalrgo, Nea, Southern Santa Cruz Dialects: End of a dialect chain not mutually intelligible of its sister language Natügu [ntu] at the other end.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz
Natügu
[ntu] Temotu Province, west Santa Cruz island, Graciosa Bay; some on north coast. 4,280 (2007 census), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Nambakaengö, Natqgu, Northern Santa Cruz Dialects: Bënwë, Londai, Malo, Ndeni (Deni), Nea, Nooli. Speakers of most dialects understand Malo and Bënwë.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz
Ontong Java
[ojv] Luangiua atoll, Lord Howe island, 210 km from Santa Isabel island. 2,370 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Leuangiua, Lord Howe, Luangiua, Luaniua Dialects: Luangiua, Pelau. Similar to Sikaiana [sky], Takuu [nho], and Nukumanu [nuq] in Papua New Guinea.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Ellicean
Oroha
[ora] South Malaita island. 38 (1999 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Mara Ma-Siki, Oraha Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern
Owa
[stn] South Makira, San Cristobal; Santa Anna and Santa Catalina islands. 8,410 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Anganiwai, Anganiwei, Narihua, Santa Anna, Wanoni Dialects: Santa Anna (Owa Raha), Santa Catalina (Owa Riki), Tawarafa (Star Harbour). Part of dialect chain that includes Kahua [agw].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal
Pijin
[pis] 24,400 (1999 SIL). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Neo-Solomonic, Solomons Pidgin Dialects: Basic vocabulary more similar to standard English [eng] than Tok Pisin [tpi] of Papua New Guinea is. Grammar shows Melanesian features. Pronunciation varies with local languages. Historically related to Tok Pisin and Bislama [bis] of Vanuatu. Intelligibility of Bislama [bis] quite high.
Classification: Creole, English based, Pacific
Rennell-Bellona
[mnv] Central Solomons, Rennell and Bellona islands. 4,390 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Rennell, Rennellese, Rennellese-Bellonese Dialects: Munggava (Mugaba, Rennell), Mungiki (Bellona, Bellonese, Mugiki).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic
Rennellese Sign Language
[rsi] Rennell island. No remaining users. Status: 10 (Extinct). Classification: Deaf sign language
Ririo
[rri] Central Choiseul island, north third of northeast coast. 18 (Wurm 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Dialects: Similar to Babatana [baa].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul
Roviana
[rug] Western Province, north central New Georgia, Roviana and Vonavona lagoons. 9,870 (1999 SIL). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Robiana, Rubiana, Ruviana Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Sa’a
[apb] Three Sisters Islands, south Malaita island, Ulawa island. 11,500 (1999 SIL). 7,300 Sa’a, 3,300 Ulawa, and 920 Uki Ni Masi. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Apae’aa, Saa, South Malaita Dialects: Uki Ni Masi (Ugi), Ulawa.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern Comments: Traditional religion, Christian.
Savosavo
[svs] Central Solomons, north of Guadalcanal, Savo island. 2,420 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Savo, Savo Island Classification: Central Solomons
Sikaiana
[sky] Central Solomons, Sikaiana atoll. 730 (1999 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Sikayana Dialects: Similar to Luangiua [ojv] (Ontong Java).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Ellicean
Simbo
[sbb] Western Province, Simbo island. 2,700 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Madeggusu, Mandeghughusu, Sibo Dialects: Distinct from Lungga [lga] and Ghanongga [ghn].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Tairaha
[bxa] Central Makira (San Cristobal) island. 4,980 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bauro, Bwauro Dialects: Bauro, Haununu (Hauhunu), Rawo (Ravo). Deep linguistic division between Tairaha and Arosi [aia]. The Mamaregho variety reportedly is the bush variety.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal
Talise
[tlr] Guadalcanal, southeast to southwest coast. 12,500 (1999 SIL). 5,940 in Talise, 2,090 in Moli, 4,490 in Koo. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Talisi, Tolo Dialects: Koo (Inakona), Malagheti, Moli, Poleo, Talise, Tolo.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal
Tanema
[tnx] Temotu Province, Vanikolo island, Emua village. 4 (2007 A. François). Ethnic population: 150 (Wurm 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Tetau, Tetawo Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro
Tanibili
[tbe] Temotu Province, Utupua island, Tanibili village. 15 (1999 SIL). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Nyisunggu Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro, Utupua
Teanu
[tkw] Temotu Province, Vanikolo island, Puma, Lavaka, Emua, and Lale villages. 520 (2007 A. François). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Buma, Puma Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro Comments: Previously 3 tribal districts corresponded to 3 languages: Tanema [tnx] south, Lovono [vnk] northwest, Teanu [tnx] northeast. Tanema population now dispersed on the island for more than a century and blended with Melanesian population, while most of south coast settled by Polynesians.
Tikopia
[tkp] Temotu Province, Tikopia island, Vanikoro, Santa Cruz, and Makira island settlements. 3,320 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Dialects: Related to Anuta [aud].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic
To’abaita
[mlu] North Malaita island. 12,600 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Malu, Malu’u, To’ambaita, Toqabaqita Dialects: Baelelea [bvc] and Baeggu [bvd] about equally intelligible of To’abaita and Lau [llu].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern
Touo
[tqu] Western Province, south Rendova island. 1,870 (1999 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baniata, Lokuru, Mbaniata Classification: Central Solomons
Ughele
[uge] Western Province, north Rendova island. 1,200 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ugele Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West
Vaeakau-Taumako
[piv] Duff and Reef islands, Matema, Taumako, Nupani, Nukapu, Pileni, and Nifiloli. 1,660 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Pileni, Pilheni Dialects: Aua, Matema, Nukapu, Nupani, Pileni, Taumako (Duff). Pileni and Taumako differ in significant ways.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic
Vaghua
[tva] Choiseul island, Tavula. 1,960 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tavola, Tavula, Vagua Dialects: Similar to Varisi [vrs].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul
Vangunu
[mpr] Western Province, North Vangunu island, Bareke; southwest Vangunu island, Vangunu. 910 (1999 SIL). 400 Bareke, 510 Vangunu. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Bareke (Mbareke), Vangunu.
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, East
Varisi
[vrs] Northeast Choiseul island. 5,160 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Varese Dialects: Ghone, Varisi. Similar to Vaghua [tva].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul
Wala
[lgl] West central Malaita island. 6,980 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Langalanga Dialects: Lexical similarity: 56% with Kwaio [kwd]; 66% with Kwara’ae [kwf].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern
Zabana
[kji] Santa Isabel island, Samasodu southwest to Kia village, northeast to Baolo village. 3,360 (2003 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kia Dialects: Borrowings from Roviana [rug]. Most similar to Cheke Holo [mrn].
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, West
Zazao
[jaj] Central Isabel island, Hograno coast, Kilokaka village. 10 (1999 SIL). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Jajao, Kilokaka Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, Central