Tuamotuan

Print

Primary tabs

A language of French Polynesia

ISO 639-3
pmt
Alternate Names
Pa’umotu
Population

4,000 (2007 census). Ethnic population: 15,600. In Tuamotu islands; many also on Tahiti.

Location

Tuamotu, Tahiti.

Language Maps
Language Status

7 (Shifting). Statutory language of national identity (2004, Organic Law, No. 2004-192, Article 57).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, East, Central, Tahitic
Dialects

Fangatau (Tupitimoake), Marangai, Napuka, Parata (Putahi), Reao, Tapuhoe, Vahitu. Lexical similarity: 83% with Rarotongan [rar], 77% with Hawaiian [haw].

Language Use

Many shifting to Tahitian [tah]. Dialect variations disappearing with more use of Tahitian [tah]. Possibly less proficient in Tahitian on Napuka and Reao.

Language Development
Poetry. Dictionary. Bible portions: 2008–2011.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tuamotuan
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian (Roman Catholic).