Okinawan, Central

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A language of Japan

ISO 639-3
ryu
Alternate Names
Luchu, Okinawan
Population

984,000 (2000). Ethnic population: Total ethnic population of Okinawan is 1,200,000 (2000 Yukio Uemura).

Location

Central Okinawa; southern Okinawa island, Kerama Islands, Kume-jima, Tonaki, Aguna islands, islands east of Okinawa island.

Language Maps
Language Status

7 (Shifting).

Classification
Japonic, Ryukyuan, Amami-Okinawan, Southern Amami-Okinawan
Dialects

Kudaka, Naha, Shuri, Torishima. Inherent intelligibility generally impossible, or very difficult, with Ryukyuan languages and Japanese [jpn]. Ryukyu languages are 62%–70% cognate with Tokyo dialect of Japanese [jpn].

Language Use

Mainly adults. Also use Japanese [jpn].

Language Development
Dictionary. Bible portions: 1855–1858.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Okinawan, Central
Writing
Katakana script.