Okinawan, Central
A language of Japan
| Population | 984,000 (2000). Ethnic population: Total ethnic population of Okinawan is 1,200,000 (2000 Yukio). |
| Region | Central Okinawa; southern Okinawa Island, Kerama Islands, Kume-jima, Tonaki, Aguna islands, islands east of Okinawa Island. |
| Language map |
Japan |
| Alternate names | Luchu, Okinawan |
| Dialects | Shuri, Naha, Torishima, Kudaka. Inherent intelligibility is generally impossible, or very difficult, with other Ryukyuan languages and Japanese [jpn]. Ryukyuan languages are 62%-70% cognate with Tokyo dialect of Japanese. Ryukyu languages are 62%–70% cognate with Tokyo dialect of Japanese. |
| Classification | Japonic, Ryukyuan, Amami-Okinawan, Southern Amami-Okinawan |
| Language use | Mainly adults. Also use Japanese. |
| Language development | Dictionary. Bible portions: 1855–1858. |
| Writing system | Katakana script. |
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