Ethnologue > Web version > Country index > Pacific > Vanuatu

Languages of Vanuatu

See language maps.
[See also SIL publications on the languages of Vanuatu.]

Republic of Vanuatu, Ripablik Blong Vanuatu. Formerly New Hebrides. 215,000. 175,700 Melanesian. National or official languages: Bislama, English, French. Literacy rate: 61%–90%. 85%–90% of school age children attend school (1977 WA). Immigrant languages: Fijian (350), Kiribati (370), Tahitian, Tongan, Vietnamese (770), Wallisian (780). Also includes Chinese (300). Information mainly from J. Lynch and T. Crowley 2001; D. Tryon 1971, 1976, 1978, 1995; S. Wurm and S. Hattori 1981. The number of individual languages listed for Vanuatu is 110. Of those, 108 are living languages and 2 have no known speakers.

Akei	[tsr] 650 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Southwest Santo. Alternate names: Tasiriki. Dialects: Similar to Fortsenal [frt]. Complex dialect chain. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Ambae, East	[omb] 5,000 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Ambae (Leper’s) Island. Alternate names: Aoba, Northeast Ambae, Northeast Aoba, Oba, Omba, Walurigi. Dialects: Lombaha (Lobaha), Longana, Lolokaro (Lolokara, Lolsiwoi). About 15 dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Ambae, West	[nnd] 8,700 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). West Ambae (Aoba, Leper’s) Island. Alternate names: Duidui, Opa. Dialects: Walaha, Nduindui (Duindui). Many dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Amblong	[alm] 300. South Santo. Dialects: Similar to Narango [nrg] and Morouas [mrp]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Ambrym, North	[mmg] 5,250 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). North Ambrym Island. Dialects: Magam, Olal. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Ambrym, Southeast	[tvk] 3,700 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Southeast Ambrym Island. Dialects: Taveak (Taviak), Endu, Toak, Penapo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Aneityum	[aty] 900 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Aneityum Island. Alternate names: Aneiteum, Aneiteumese, Anejom. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, South Vanuatu, Aneityum More information.
Aore	[aor] Extinct. Formerly East Santo. Dialects: Similar to Malo [mla] and Tutuba [tmi]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Apma	[app] 7,800 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Central Pentecost (Raga). Alternate names: Central Raga. Dialects: Bwatnapni, Loltong, Melsisi, Suru-Bo, Suru-Marani. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Araki	[akr] 8. Araki Island, south Santo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo Nearly extinct. More information.
Aulua	[aul] 750 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). East Malekula. Alternate names: Aulua Bay. Dialects: Onesso, Boinelang. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Axamb	[ahb] 750 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). South Malekula. Alternate names: Ahamb. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Baetora	[btr] 1,330 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Maewo Island. Dialects: Nasawa, Talise, Narovorovo. Considerable dialect variation. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Baki	[bki] 350 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). West Epi. Alternate names: Burumba, Paki. Dialects: Slight dialect variation. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Epi, Lamenu-Baki, Baki-Bierebo More information.
Bierebo	[bnk] 800 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). West Epi, south of the Lamenu [lmu], north of the Baki [bki]. Alternate names: Bonkovia-Yevali. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Epi, Lamenu-Baki, Baki-Bierebo More information.
Bieria	[brj] 25 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). South Epi, between the Maii [mmm] and Lewo [lmu]. Alternate names: Bieri, Vovo, Wowo. Dialects: Bieria, Vovo (Wowo). Wurm and Hattori (1981) treat Bieria and Vovo as separate languages. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Epi, Bieria-Maii Nearly extinct. More information.
Bislama	[bis] 5,000 in Vanuatu (Naito and Tryon 2001). Population total all countries: 6,200. Also in New Caledonia. Alternate names: Bichelamar. Dialects: Unlike Tok Pisin [tpi] (Papua New Guinea) and Pijin [pis] (Solomon Islands), there are some French loanwords. Partially intelligible with Pijin [pis] and Tok Pisin [tpi]. Classification: Creole, English-based, Pacific More information.
Burmbar	[vrt] 900 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Southeast Malekula. Alternate names: Banan Bay, Vartavo. Dialects: Some dialect differences. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Butmas-Tur	[bnr] 520 (1983 SIL). East central Santo. Alternate names: Ati. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, East Santo, South More information.
Dakaka	[bpa] 1,200 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). South Ambrym. Alternate names: Baiap, South Ambrym. Dialects: Sesivi. Several other dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Dixon Reef	[dix] 50 (1982 SIL). Ethnic population: 60. Southwest Malekula. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Small Nambas Nearly extinct. More information.
Dorig	[wwo] 160 (2000). Banks Group, Gaua Island, Dorig, Kweteon villages. Alternate names: Wetamut. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Efate, North	[llp] 9,500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). North Efate Island, Nguna, Tongoa, and several smaller islands, southeast Epi. Alternate names: Nakanamanga. Dialects: Nguna (Guna, Tongoa, Ngunese), Buninga, Sesake, Emau, Paunangis, Livara. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Central Vanuatu More information.
Efate, South	[erk] 6,000 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Population includes Eton [etn]. Efate Island. Alternate names: Erakor, Fate, Southern Efate. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Central Vanuatu More information.
Emae	[mmw] 400 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Emae; Three Hills Island, Sesake Island. 2 villages. Alternate names: Emai, Emwae, Mae, Mai, Mwae. Dialects: No dialect variation. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic More information.
English	[eng] 1,900 in Vanuatu (1995). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English More information.
Eton	[etn] 500 (1989 census). Southeast Efate Island, Eton, Pang Pang, surrounding villages. Alternate names: Eastern Efate, Epwau. Dialects: Eton, Pang Pang. Formerly thought a dialect of South Efate [erk]. 88% inherent intelligibility with Lelepa [lpa], 64% with South Efate. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Central Vanuatu More information.
Fortsenal	[frt] 450 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Central Santo. Alternate names: Kiai. Dialects: Similar to Akei [tsr]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
French	[fra] 6,300 in Vanuatu (1995). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French More information.
Futuna-Aniwa	[fut] 1,500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). (West) Futuna and Aniwa Islands, east of Tanna. Alternate names: Erronan, West Futuna-Aniwa. Dialects: West Futuna (Fotuna), Aniwa (Anewa). Significant differences between West Futunan and Aniwan dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic More information.
Hano	[lml] 6,500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). North Pentecost (Raga, Whitsuntide Island) and south Maewo (Aurora) Island. Alternate names: Bwatvenua, Lamalanga, North Raga, Qatvenua, Raga, Vunmarama. Dialects: Slight dialect differences. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Hiw	[hiw] 150 (2007 A. Francois). Hiw Island, Torres Islands. Alternate names: Hiu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Ifo	[iff] Extinct. Erromanga Island, southern Vanuatu. Alternate names: Utaha. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, South Vanuatu, Erromanga More information.
Katbol	[tmb] 700 (Crowley 2006). Central Malekula. Alternate names: Avava, Taremp, Tembimbe-Katbol, Tisvel, Vava. Dialects: Bangasa, Nevaar, Nevat, Timbembe. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Malekula Central More information.
Koro	[krf] 160 (2003 A. Francois). Banks Islands, Gaua Island, Koro, Mekeon villages. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Kwamera	[tnk] 3,500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Southeast Tanna. Dialects: 2 main dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, South Vanuatu, Tanna More information.
Labo	[mwi] 1,100 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Southwest Bay, Malekula. Alternate names: Meaun, Mewun, Nide, Ninde. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Labo More information.
Lakon	[lkn] 700 (2003 A. Francois). Banks Group, Gaua Island. Alternate names: Gaua, Gog, Lakona, Qatareu, Toglatareu, Togla, Vure. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Lamenu	[lmu] 850 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Very few monolinguals. Shefa Province, Varmali region, Lamenu Island, Epi Island northwest tip; some in Sara village, Port Vila and Luganville. Alternate names: Lamen, Lewo, Varmali. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Epi, Lamenu-Baki, Lamenu-Lewo More information.
Larevat	[lrv] 680 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Central Malekula. Alternate names: Laravat. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Malekula Central More information.
Lehali	[tql] 250 (2007 A. Francois). Ethnic population: 350. Banks Group, West coast of Ureparapara Island. Alternate names: Teqel. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Lelepa	[lpa] 400 (1989 census). Lelepa Island, west Efate Island, Mangaliliu and Napkoa. Alternate names: Havannah Harbour. Dialects: Formerly thought a dialect of North Efate [llp]. Also related to South Efate [erk]. 84% inherent intelligibility with Eton [etn], 88% with South Efate. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Central Vanuatu More information.
Lenakel	[tnl] 11,500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). West central Tanna. Dialects: Loanatit, Nerauya, Itonga, Ikyoo. Complex dialect chain; up to 10 dialects (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, South Vanuatu, Tanna More information.
Letemboi	[nms] 800 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). South Malekula. Alternate names: Small Nambas. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Small Nambas More information.
Lewo	[lww] 2,200 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). East Epi Island, Varsu and Varmali regions. Alternate names: Varsu. Dialects: Tasiko, Mate-Nul-Filakara. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Epi, Lamenu-Baki, Lamenu-Lewo More information.
Lingarak	[lgk] 1,250 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Malekula. Alternate names: Bushman’s Bay, Nevwervwer. Dialects: Mindu, Wuli. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Malekula Central More information.
Litzlitz	[lzl] 15 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Malekula. Alternate names: Lagalag, Litzlitz-Visele, Lolnarrong, Naman, Netensal. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Malekula Central Nearly extinct. More information.
Lonwolwol	[crc] 1,200 Moribund (Lynch and Crowley 2001). West Ambrym Island, Efate Island, Maat village. Alternate names: Craig Cove, Fali, Fanting, West Ambrym. Dialects: 2 main dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Lorediakarkar	[lnn] 340 (2000). Ethnic population: 850. Santo Island, central east coast. Dialects: Similar to Shark Bay [ssv]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, East Santo, South More information.
Löyöp	[urr] 250 (2007 A. Francois). Banks Group, Divers Bay area, Ureparapara Island. Alternate names: Lehalurup East Ureparapara, Divers Bay. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Mae	[mme] 1,000 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). North Small Nambas. Malekula. Alternate names: Dirak. Dialects: North Small Nambas. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Maewo, Central	[mwo] 1,400 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Maewo (Aurora) Island. Alternate names: Maevo, Sunwadaga, Tanoriki. Dialects: Lotora, Tanoriki, Peterara. Arata, Bangoro may be dialects or closely related dying languages. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Mafea	[mkv] 250 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). East Santo, Mafea Island. Alternate names: Mavea. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Maii	[mmm] 180 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Mafilau village, southwest Epi, north of the Bieria, south of the Baki. Alternate names: Mae-Morae, Mafilau, Mkir. Dialects: No dialect variation. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Epi, Bieria-Maii More information.
Malfaxal	[mlx] 600 (1983 SIL). South Malekula. Alternate names: Malvaxal-Toman Island, Taman, Tomman. Dialects: Orierh (Na’ahai), Milip, Toman. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Malo	[mla] 4,000 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Malo Island, 3 adjacent small islands, south Tangoa. Alternate names: Tamabo. Dialects: Avunatari (North Malo), Ataripoe (South Malo). Similar to Aore [aor] and Tutuba [tmi]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Malua Bay	[mll] 500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Malekula, northwest coast. Alternate names: Espiegle Bay, Middle Nambas. Dialects: Several dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Maragus	[mrs] 15 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Central north Malekula. Alternate names: Maragaus, Tape, Tobah. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Malekula Central Nearly extinct. More information.
Marino	[mrb] 1,400 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). North Maewo. Alternate names: Naone, North Maewo, Sunwadia. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Maskelynes	[klv] 1,100 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). South Malekula, Maskelyne Islets. Alternate names: Kuliviu, Maskelyne Islands. Dialects: Some dialect differences. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Mele-Fila	[mxe] 3,500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Over 2,000 in Mele village on Efate; 1,000 on Ifara Island (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Alternate names: Fila-Mele, Ifara-Mele. Dialects: Fila (Efira, Fira, Ifira), Mele. Significant differences between Mele and Fila. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic More information.
Merei	[lmb] 400 (1997 J. Chung). Ethnic population: 570. Central Santo, north of Morouas, between Lape and Ora rivers. Alternate names: Lametin. Dialects: Winiv. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Merlav	[mrm] 1,550 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Banks Group, Mere Lava and Merig Islands. Alternate names: Merelava, Merlav-Merig. Dialects: Mwerig (Merig), West Mwerelawa, Matliwag. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Morouas	[mrp] 150 (1983 SIL). Ethnic population: 210. Central Santo. Alternate names: Moruas. Dialects: Several dialects. Possible dialect subgrouping with Amblong [alm] and Narango [nrg]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Mosina	[msn] 1,050 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Banks Group, Vanua Lava. Alternate names: Mosin, Vurës. Dialects: Vetumboso, Vures (Vuras, Vureas, Avreas). Lexical similarity: 88% between Mosina and Vures. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Mota	[mtt] 900 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Banks Group, Mota (Sugarloaf) Island. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Motlav	[mlv] 2,200 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Banks Group, Mota Lava (Saddle) Island. Alternate names: Motalava, Mwotlap. Dialects: Volow (Valuva, Valuwa, Valuga). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Mpotovoro	[mvt] 430 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Malekula, north tip. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Namakura	[nmk] 3,750 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). North Efate, Tongoa, Tongariki. Alternate names: Makura. Dialects: Tongoa Island, Tongariki Island, Buninga, Makura (Emwae Island), Mataso. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Central Vanuatu More information.
Nambas, Big	[nmb] 3,350 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Northwest Malekula. Alternate names: V’ënen Taut. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Malekula Central More information.
Narango	[nrg] 160 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Ethnic population: 225. South Santo Island. Dialects: Several dialects. Similar to Amblong [alm] and Morouas [mrp]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Nasarian	[nvh] 5 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Southwest coast of Malekula. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Malekula Central Nearly extinct. More information.
Navut	[nsw] 520 (1983 SIL). West central Santo. Dialects: Similar to Tiale [mnl]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Nokuku	[nkk] 160 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Ethnic population: 400. Northwest Santo. Alternate names: Nogugu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Nume	[tgs] 900 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Gaua Island. Alternate names: Gaua, Tarasag. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Paama	[pma] 6,000 (1996 SIL). Paama, 1 village on east Epi (Lopevi), large group in Vila. Alternate names: Paama-Lopevi, Paamese, Pauma. Dialects: North Paama, South Paama. Similar to Southeast Ambrym [tvk]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Piamatsina	[ptr] 150 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Ethnic population: 210. Northwest Santo Island. Dialects: Similar to Vunapu [vnp]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Polonombauk	[plb] 220 (1983 SIL). Ethnic population: 550. Southeast Santo Island. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, East Santo, South More information.
Port Sandwich	[psw] 1,200 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Southeast Malekula Island. Alternate names: Lamap. Dialects: Several dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Port Vato	[ptv] 1,300 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Southwest Ambrym Island. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Repanbitip	[rpn] 90 (1983 SIL). Ethnic population: 125. East Malekula Island. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Small Nambas More information.
Rerep	[pgk] 380 (1983 SIL). Ethnic population: 540. East Malekula Island. Alternate names: Pangkumu, Pangkumu Bay, Tisman. Dialects: Tisman. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Roria	[rga] 75 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Central Santo Island. Alternate names: Mores. Dialects: Some dialect differences. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Sa	[sax] 2,500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). South Raga Island. Dialects: Ponorwal (South Raga), Lolatavola, Ninebulo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Sakao	[sku] 4,000 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Northeast Santo Island. Alternate names: Hog Harbour, Sakau, Santo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, East Santo, North More information.
Seke	[ske] 600 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Central Raga Island. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Shark Bay	[ssv] 450 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Litaro (Pilot) Island, East Santo, also Shark Bay coast. Dialects: Similar to Lorediakarkar [lnn]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, East Santo, South More information.
Sie	[erg] 1,900 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Southern Vanuatu, Erromanga Island. Alternate names: Eromanga, Erramanga, Erromanga, Sye. Dialects: Yoku (Enyau), Potnariven, Sie (Sorung). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, South Vanuatu, Erromanga More information.
South West Bay	[sns] 600 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Ethnic population: 355. Southwest Malekula Island. Alternate names: Lamangkau, Na’ahai, Nahapa, Seniang, Sinesip. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Sowa	[sww] 20 (Tryon 1971). Ethnic population: 30. Central Raga Island. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu Nearly extinct. More information.
Tambotalo	[tls] 50 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Ethnic population: 70. Southeast Santo, Tambotalo village. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo Nearly extinct. More information.
Tangoa	[tgp] 800 (2001 SIL). Tangoa Island, off south Santo. 4 villages. Alternate names: Santo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Tanna, North	[tnn] 5,000 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). North Tanna. Dialects: East Tanna, West Tanna, Imafin. 2 major dialects. There is a dialect chain. Similar to Whitesands [tnp]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, South Vanuatu, Tanna More information.
Tanna, Southwest	[nwi] 5,000 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Southwest Tanna Island. Dialects: Nowai, Nvhal, Navava. A complex dialect chain (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, South Vanuatu, Tanna More information.
Tasmate	[tmt] 150 (1983 SIL). Ethnic population: 210. West Santo Island. Dialects: Some dialect differences. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Tiale	[mnl] 400 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). North central Santo. Alternate names: Malmariv. Dialects: Similar to Navut [nsw]; mutually intelligible with Merei [lmb]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Toga	[lht] 500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Torres Islands. Alternate names: Lo, Loh-Toga, Torres, Vavatema. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Tolomako	[tlm] 900 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Big Bay, Santo Island. Alternate names: Big Bay, Marina, Tolomako-Jereviu. Dialects: Slight dialect differences. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Tutuba	[tmi] 500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Tutuba Island, south Santo. Dialects: Similar to Aore [aor] and Malo [mla]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Unua	[onu] 520. 50 in Bush Unua. East Malekula Island. Alternate names: Onua. Dialects: Bush Unua. Several dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Ura	[uur] 6 (1998 T. Crowley). Southern Vanuatu, North Erromanga Island. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, South Vanuatu, Erromanga Nearly extinct. More information.
Uripiv-Wala-Rano-Atchin	[upv] 9,000 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). 1,375 Atchin, 3,450 Uripiv-Wala-Rano. Northeast Malekula and nearby islands. Alternate names: Northeast Malakula. Dialects: Uripiv, Wala-Rano, Atchin (Nale). Dialect chain from Uripiv south to Atchin north. Lexical similarity: 85% at extremes of the dialect chain. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Valpei	[vlp] 300 (1983 SIL). Ethnic population: 425. Northwest Santo Island. Alternate names: Valpay, Valpei-Hukua. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Vao	[vao] 1,900 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Vao Island, north Malekula. Dialects: Fooa. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, Malekula Coastal More information.
Vatrata	[vlr] 280 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Vanua Lava Island. Alternate names: Vanua Lava, Vera’a. Dialects: Leon, Pak (Bek), Sasar (Lem). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, East Vanuatu More information.
Vinmavis	[vnm] 500 (Musgrave 2007). Ethnic population: 710. Central west Malekula Island. Alternate names: Banggor, Lambumbu, Neve’ei, Telag. Dialects: Winiv. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Malekula Interior, Malekula Central More information.
Vunapu	[vnp] 380 (1983 SIL). Ethnic population: 540. Northwest Santo Island. Dialects: Similar to Piamatsina [ptr]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Wailapa	[wlr] 100 (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Ethnic population: 140. Southwest Santo Island. Dialects: A dialect chain with Akei [tsr] and Penantsiro [ptr] at the extremes, but are not inherently intelligible. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.
Whitesands	[tnp] 7,500 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). Tanna Island, east coast. Alternate names: Napuanmen, Whitsands. Dialects: Weasisi (Wassisi), Lometimeti. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, South Vanuatu, Tanna More information.
Wusi	[wsi] 300 (Lynch and Crowley 2001). West Santo Island. Alternate names: Wusi-Kerepua. Dialects: Some dialect differences. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, North and Central Vanuatu, Northeast Vanuatu-Banks Islands, West Santo More information.

This web edition of the Ethnologue contains all the content of the print edition and may be cited as:
Lewis, M. Paul (ed.), 2009. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Sixteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/.

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