389,000 (1995). 94% Melanesian, 4% Polynesian, 1.5% Micronesian. Literacy rate 54% to 60%; average years of schooling 4.4. Double chain of 6 large islands and many smaller ones. Information mainly from Tryon and Hackman 1983, Wurm and Hattori 1981, Ross 1988, SIL 1995. Also includes Chinese 1,000. Data accuracy estimate: A1, A2. Christian, traditional religion, cargo cult. The number of languages listed for Solomon Islands is 71. Of those, 66 are living languages and 5 are extinct.
AMBA (ABA, NEMBAO, UTUPUA) [UTP] 350 (1989 SIL). Aveta, Matembo, and Nembao villages, Utupua Island, Temotu Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Eastern Outer Islands, Utupua. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Agriculturalists, fishermen. Altitude: 0 to 350 meters.
ANUTA [AUD] 300 (1992 Besnier OIEL). Anuta Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic. Closeness to Tikopia needs investigation. 25% to 50% literate. Survey needed.
'ARE'ARE (AREARE) [ALU] 10,800 (1982 SIL). South Malaita Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern. Dialects: 'ARE'ARE, MARAU (MARAU SOUND). Marau is reported to be completely intelligible with 'Are'are. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Hunters, agriculturalists. Altitude: 100 to 1,000 meters. Bible portions 1957. Work in progress.
AROSI [AIA] 2,800 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Northwest Makira (San Cristobal) Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal. Dialects: WANGO, AROSI. Many dialects. 25% to 50% literate. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions 1905-1921. Work in progress.
ASUMBOA (ASUMBUA, ASUMUO) [AUA] 60 (1990 SIL). Asumbuo village, Utupua Island, Temotu Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Eastern Outer Islands, Utupua. Speakers use Amba (Aba), Nyisunggu, or Pijin as second languages. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: SVO. Levels of bilingualism in Amba, Pijin, Nyisunggu are 1:0%, 2:0%, 3+:33%, 4:67 5 0%. Mountain slope, coast. Agriculturalists, fishermen. Altitude: 0 to 350 meters. Survey needed.
AYIWO (AÏWO, GNIVO, NIVO, NIFILOLE, LOMLOM, REEF ISLANDS, REEFS) [NFL] 3,959 (1976 census). Santa Cruz Islands, eastern Solomons. East Papuan, Reef Islands-Santa Cruz. 25% to 50% literate. Work in progress.
BABATANA (MBAMBATANA, EAST CHOISEUL) [BAQ] 5,000 first language (1981 Wurm and Hattori); 6,000 second language speakers (1991 UBS). East Choiseul Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul. Dialects: BABATANA, SENGAN (SENGGA, SISINGGA, SENGA), KUBORO (KUMBORO), KATAZI, LÖMAUMBI, AVASÖ. Kirunggela (2,626 speakers) may be a dialect. Related to Ririo. Trade language. NT 1960-1984. Bible portions 1927-1960.
BANIATA (MBANIATA, LOKURU) [BNT] 900 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). South Rendova Island, Western Province. East Papuan, Yele-Solomons-New Britain, Yele-Solomons, Central Solomons. Bilingualism of speakers in Roviana is decreasing.
BAURO (MARMAREGHO) [BXA] 2,800 including 1,500 in Bauro; 800 in Haununu, 500 in Rawo (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Central Makira (San Cristobal) Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal. Dialects: HAUNUNU (HAUHUNU), BAURO, RAWO (RAVO). There is a deep linguistic division between Bauro and Arosi. The purported Mamaregho language has not been found (1986 G. Simons SIL). 25% to 50% literate. Bible portions 1922. Survey needed.
BILUA (MBILUA, VELLA LAVELLA) [BLB] 4,471 (1976 census); 8,000 second language speakers (1987 UBS). Vella Lavella Island, Western Province. East Papuan, Yele-Solomons-New Britain, Yele-Solomons, Central Solomons. 'Vella Lavella' is a geographical name used in some lists as a language name. 25% to 50% literate. Dictionary. NT 1995. Bible portions 1919-1992.
BIRAO (MBIRAO) [BRR] 3,485 (1976 census). Eastern Guadalcanal Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal.
BLABLANGA (GEMA, GOI) [BLP] 600 (1990 SIL). Santa Isabel Island, villages of Popoheo and Hovukoilo in Maringe District and from Ghove to Biluro on Hograno coast. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, Central. Slight dialect differences. Speakers can converse in Cheke Holo (Maringe).
BUGHOTU (BUGOTO, BUGOTA, BUGOTU, MBUGHOTU, MAHAGA) [BGT] 1,900 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Santa Isabel Island, southeast end from Suma to Horara, and on Furona Island off the northwest coast of Kia District. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Bughotu. Dialects: HAGEULU, VULAVA. The church language used by COM on the island. Related to vernaculars on Guadalcanal. Distinct from other languages of Santa Isabel. Close affinity to Gela. Except for Gao, speakers of other Santa Isabel languages cannot communicate with Bughotu speakers except through Pijin. Literature in Bughotu will also reach Gao; a total of 2,191 speakers, or 24% of the Island. 50% to 75% literate. Dictionary. Grammar. Trade language. NT 1914-1934. Bible portions 1885-1923. Work in progress.
CHEKE HOLO (A'ARA, KUBONITU, HOLO) [MRN] 7,584 (1989 White). Central Santa Isabel Island, on Maringe side from village of Gnulahaghe southeast to Kuma'ihaui; on Hograno coast in several villages in Kia district; and scattered villages in Gao-Bughotu region. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, East. Dialects: MARINGE (MARINGHE), HOGRANO (HOGIRANO). Most important language of Santa Isabel apart from Bughotu; 57% of the population of the island. Second language of many speakers of other languages. Literature in this language could be used by the Blablanga and Gao; a total of 6,344 people, or 70% of the island. 30% to 35% literate. Dictionary. Grammar. Trade language. NT 1993. Bible portions 1990-1992.
DORI'O (KWAREKWAREO) [DOR] 900 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). West central Malaita Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern. 71% lexical similarity with 'Are'are. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Hunters, agriculturalists. Altitude: 100 to 1,000 meters. Survey needed.
DORORO (DORIRI) [DRR] New Georgia. East Papuan, Yele-Solomons-New Britain, Yele-Solomons, Kazukuru. May have been a Kazukuru dialect. Extinct.
DUKE (NDUKE, NDUGHORE, KOLOMBANGARA) [NKE] 1,500 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Kolombangara Island, Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West. Close to Lungga. 58% of the people can use Roviana for general purposes. About 42% can use Pijin. Levels of bilingualism in Roviana are 0:7%, 1:11%, 2:24%, 3:58%, 4:0%, 5:0%. Survey needed.
ENGLISH [ENG] 322,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). Indo-European, Germanic, West, North Sea, English. National language. Bible 1382-1989. NT 1380-1985. Bible portions 1530-1987.
FAGANI (FAGHANI) [FAF] 300 including 100 in each dialect (1981 Tryon). Northwest Makira Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal. Dialects: FAGANI, RIHU'A, AGUFI. Tryon says this is separate from Arosi. 25% to 50% literate. Survey needed.
FATALEKA [FAR] 4,500 (1990 SIL). Malaita Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern. 82% lexical similarity with Kwara'ae, 76% with Lau. Wurm and Hattori treat it as a dialect of To'abaita. Intelligibility of the Baegu variety of To'abaita is reported to be high, but of To'abaita is much less. Fataleka is used in the home and by children. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: SVO. Levels of bilingualism in Kwara'ae, Lau for Pijin: 0:0%, 1:0%, 2:20%, 3:60%, 4:20%; Kwara'ae: 0:0%, 1:0%, 2:50%, 3:30%, 4:20%; Lau: 0:0%, 1:0%, 2:60%, 3:20%, 4:20%. Mountain slope, coast. Hunters, agriculturalists. Altitude: 100 to 1,000 meters. Survey needed.
GAO (NGGAO) [GGA] 550 (1990 SIL). Central Isabel Island, from Tausese southeast to Floakora Point. The principal village is Poro. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, East. Some speakers, including children, use Gao and some use Cheke Holo in the home. There are a number of mixed marriages. The Cheke Holo prayer book is used in church. Cheke Holo and Bughotu are used when communicating with people from those areas. Survey needed.
GELA (NGGELA, FLORIDA ISLANDS) [NLG] 5,323 (1976 census). Gela, Florida Islands, Guadalcanal (immigrants), and Savo Islands, central Solomons. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Gela. Similar to Lengo in north Guadalcanal. 25% to 50% literate. Subsistence agriculturalists: root vegetables, coconut; fishermen; copra production. Christian. NT 1923. Bible portions 1879-1971. Work in progress.
GHANONGGA (GANONGGA, KUBOKOTA, KUMBOKOTA) [GHN] 1,897 (1976 census). North Ranonga Island, Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West. A related but separate language to Lungga and Simbo. Survey needed.
GHARI (GARI, TANGARARE, SUGHU, WEST GUADALCANAL) [GRI] 5,268 including 2,714 Ghari; 423 Gae; 650 Geri; 913 Ndi; 209 Nginia; 359 Tandai-Nggaria (1976 census); 6,000 including second language speakers (1987 UBS). Guadalcanal Island, west, northwest and north central coast. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal. Dialects: GAE (NGGAE), GERI (NGGERI), NDI (VATURANGA), NGINIA, TANDAI-NGGARIA (TANAGHAI), GHARI. 25% to 50% literate. Trade language. NT 1989. Bible portions 1905-1985.
GULA'ALAA (KWAI, NGONGOSILA) [GMB] 1,000 (1982 SIL). Kwai and Ngongosila islands on the east side of Kwara'ae, Malaita. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern. Might be intelligible with Lau or Kwara'ae; about 85% lexical similarity. The people call their language 'Gula'alaa'. Typology: SVO. Salt water. Coral reef. Fishermen, craftsmen. Altitude: 0 to 1 meter. Survey needed.
GULIGULI (GULILI) [GLG] New Georgia. East Papuan, Yele-Solomons-New Britain, Yele-Solomons, Kazukuru. Possibly was a Kazukuru dialect. Extinct.
HOAVA [HOA] 600 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). North Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia Island, Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West. Speakers are bilingual in Roviana. Close to Kusaghe.
KAHUA (ANGANIWAI, ANGANIWEI, WANONI, NARIHUA) [AGW] 4,040 including 1,570 Kahua; 2,470 Tawarafa (1976 census); 5,000 second language speakers (1987 UBS). South Makira (San Cristobal) Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal. Dialects: TAWARAFA (STAR HARBOUR), SANTA ANA (OWA RAHA), SANTA CATALINA (OWA RIKI), KAHUA. 25% to 50% literate. Trade language. NT 1986. Bible portions 1927.
KAZUKURU [KZK] New Georgia. East Papuan, Yele-Solomons-New Britain, Yele-Solomons, Kazukuru. Extinct.
KOKOTA [KKK] 200 (1990 SIL). Santa Isabel, villages of Sisiga and Ghoveo on the northeast coast and Hurepelo on southwest coast. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, Central. Speakers can converse in Cheke Holo and Zabana.
KUSAGHE (KUSAGE) [KSG] 1,059 (1976 census). North New Georgia Island, Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West. Close to and bilingual in Roviana. Roviana and Kusaghe used in church. Levels of bilingualism in Roviana are 0:0%, 1:14%, 2:38%, 3+:0%.
KWAIO (KOIO) [KWD] 10,600 (1982 SIL). Central Malaita Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern. Closer to Kwara'ae than to 'Are'are. Dictionary. Grammar. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Hunters, agriculturalists: sweet potato. Altitude: 100 to 1,000 meters. Traditional religion.
KWARA'AE (FIU) [KWF] 21,000 (1982 SIL); many more second language users. Central Malaita Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Hunters, agriculturalists. Altitude: 100 to 1,000 meters. NT 1961. Bible portions 1909-1938. Work in progress.
LAGHU (LAGU, KATOVA) [LGB] 5 (1981 D. Tryon). Santa Isabel, villages of Baolo and Samasodu in the Kia District. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, West. Nearly extinct.
LANGALANGA [LGL] 4,900 (1982 SIL). West central Malaita Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern. 56% lexical similarity with Kwaio; 66% with Kwara'ae. Typology: SVO. Coral reef. Fishermen, craftsmen. Altitude: 0 to 1 meter. Work in progress.
LAU [LLU] 10,300 (1982 SIL). Northeast Malaita Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern. Dialects: SUAFA, LAU, DAI (NDAI). 25% to 50% literate. Dictionary. Typology: SVO. Coral reef. Fishermen, craftsmen. Altitude: 0 to 1 meter. NT 1929-1992. Bible portions 1905-1918.
LAVUKALEVE (LAUBE, LAUMBE, RUSSELL ISLAND) [LVK] 700 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Russell Islands, northwest of Guadalcanal, central Solomons. East Papuan, Yele-Solomons-New Britain, Yele-Solomons, Central Solomons.
LENGO (RUAVATU, TASEMBOKO) [LGR] 5,342 to 5,442 including 4,353 Lengo, 589 Paripao (1976 census); 400 to 500 Ghaimuta (1977 UC). North and east central Guadalcanal Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Gela. Dialects: AOLA, PARIPAO, GHAIMUTA (GHUA), LENGO. 25% to 50% literate.
LONGGU (LOGU) [LGU] 750 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). East coast of Guadalcanal Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Longgu. Brought over long ago by settlers from Malaita; probably not intelligible with Malaitan languages. Dictionary. Survey needed.
LUNGGA (LUGA) [LGA] 1,350 (1982 SIL). South Ranonga Island, Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West. Close to Duke (Nduke). Lungga, Ghanongga, and Simbo are related but separate languages. 25% to 50% literate. Work in progress.
MALANGO [MLN] 1,800 (1977 Lincoln). Central Guadalcanal Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal. It may be intelligible with Ghari. Survey needed.
MAROVO [MVO] 4,576 (1976 census). South New Georgia Island, Marovo Lagoon, Vangunu Island, and Nggatokae Island; Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, East. Second most important language of the New Georgia group. 25% to 50% literate. Trade language. Bible 1956, out of print. NT 1941. Bible portions 1931.
MONO (ALU, MONO-ALU) [MTE] 8,000 (1992 UBS). Treasury Island (Mono), Shortland Island (Alu, Alo), Fauro Island (Fauro). Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Mono-Uruava. Dialects: MONO, ALU (ALO), FAURO. 25% to 50% literate. Work in progress.
NANGGU [NAN] 238 (1976 census). Santa Cruz Island. East Papuan, Reef Islands-Santa Cruz. Most people are bilingual in Santa Cruz. Survey needed.
ONTONG JAVA (LUANGIUA, LEUANGIUA, LORD HOWE) [LUN] 1,100 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Luangiua Atoll (Lord Howe Island), 130 miles from Santa Isabel Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Ellicean. Dialects: LUANGIUA, PELAU. Close to Sikaiana in the Solomon Islands, and to Takuu and Nukumanu in Papua New Guinea. 25% to 50% literate. Grammar. Typology: VSO, SVO. Bible portions 1992. Work in progress.
OROHA (MARA MA-SIKI, ORAHA) [ORA] 100 (1981 D. Tryon). South Malaita Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern. Speakers appear to be bilingual in Sa'a. Dictionary. Survey needed.
PIJIN (SOLOMONS PIDGIN, NEO-SOLOMONIC) [PIS] 1,302 first language speakers over 5 years old (1976 census); at least 100,000 second language speakers (1983 Simons SIL). Creole, English based, Pacific. Basic vocabulary is closer to standard English than is Tok Pisin of Papua New Guinea. Grammar shows Melanesian features. Pronunciation varies according to local languages. Creolization in progress. Recent efforts to standardize orthography. Historically related to Tok Pisin and Bislama of Vanuatu. Intelligibility with Bislama is quite high. 50% to 75% literate. Dictionaries. Language of wider communication. NT 1993. Bible portions 1976-1988.
PILENI (PILHENI) [PIV] 878 (1976 census). Matema, Taumako, Nupani, Nukapu, Pileni, Nifiloli in the Duff and Reef islands. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic. Dialects: MATEMA, TAUMAKO (DUFF), NUPANI, NUKAPU, PILENI, AUA. The Pileni and Taumako dialects differ in significant ways. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: SVO.
RENNELL (RENNELLESE-BELLONESE, RENNELLESE) [MNV] 3,000 (1992 UBS). Rennell and Bellona Islands, Central Solomons. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic. Dialects: MUNGGAVA (RENNELL, MUGABA), MUNGIKI (MUGIKI, BELLONESE, BELLONA). 25% to 50% literate. Dictionary. Typology: VSO. NT 1994. Bible portions 1942-1987.
RENNELLESE SIGN LANGUAGE [RSI] 1 (1986 Gallaudet University). Rennell Island. Deaf sign language. Developed about 1915 by Kagobai, the first deaf person. Used by others. Nearly extinct.
RIRIO [RRI] 200 (1977 Lincoln). Choiseul Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul. Close to Babatana. Survey needed.
ROVIANA (ROBIANA, RUVIANA, RUBIANA) [RUG] 5,365 (1976 census); 16,000 second language speakers (1987 UBS). North central New Georgia, Roviana Lagoon, Vonavona Lagoon; Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West. Trade language previously in Western Province and as far north as Buka and Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. It is being replaced as a lingua franca by Pijin in Western Province, and is now used as a second language mainly by those over 30 years old. 25% to 50% literate. Dictionary. Trade language. Typology: VSO. NT 1953-1995. Bible portions 1916-1990.
SA'A (SAA, SOUTH MALAITA, APAE'AA) [APB] 6,500 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). South Malaita Island, Ulawa Island, Three Sisters Islands. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern. Dialects: ULAWA, UKI NI MASI (UGI). 25% to 50% literate. Uki Ni Masi is nearly extinct. Dictionary. Grammar. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Hunters, agriculturalists: yam, taro, banana, coconut, breadfruit; fishermen; pig raisers. Altitude: 100 to 1,000 meters. Traditional religion. NT 1911-1927. Bible portions 1896-1995. Work in progress.
SANTA ANA (OWA RAHA) [STN] Santa Ana Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal. Formerly thought to be a dialect of Kahua. Work in progress.
SANTA CRUZ (NATÖGU, NENDÖ, NAMBAKAENGÖ, MBANUA) [STC] 4,000 (1990 UBS). Santa Cruz Islands, Eastern Solomons. East Papuan, Reef Islands-Santa Cruz. Dialects: NDENI (DENI), TE MOTU, LONDAI, NEA, NOOLI, LVOVA (LWOWA), MBANUA. Speakers of most dialects understand Lwowa and Mbanua well. Nea and Nooli dialects may be sufficiently diverse to require adapted literature. 15% to 25% literate. Fishermen. Bible portions 1985-1991. Work in progress.
SAVO (SAVO ISLAND, SAVOSAVO) [SVS] 1,147 (1976 census). Savo Island, north of Guadalcanal, Central Solomons. East Papuan, Yele-Solomons-New Britain, Yele-Solomons, Central Solomons. Use of Savo is reported to be declining among the younger generation.
SIKAIANA (SIKAYANA) [SKY] 483 (1976 census). Sikaiana Atoll, Central Solomons. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Ellicean. Close to Luangiua (Ontong Java), but a distinct language. Dictionary. Typology: SVO.
SIMBO (SIBO, MADEGGUSU, MANDEGHUGHUSU) [SBB] 1,673 (1976 census). Simbo (Eddystone) Island, Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West. A separate language from Lungga and Ghanongga. Use of Roviana is decreasing. Survey needed.
TALISE (TALISI, TOLO) [TLR] 5,107; including 279 in Talise, 1,027 in Tolo, 803 in Moli, 1,062 in Poleo, 1,162 in Koo, 774 in Malagheti (1976 census). Guadalcanal Island, southeast to southwest coast. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal. Dialects: TALISE, TOLO, MOLI, POLEO, KOO (INAKONA), MALAGHETI. May be intelligible with Ghari or Birao. Dictionary. Grammar. Survey needed.
TANEMA (TANIMA) [TNX] Ethnic group has 150 (1990 SIL). Emua village, Vanikolo Island, Temotu Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Eastern Outer Islands, Vanikoro. The people speak Pijin or Teanu. The language is no longer in use; old people remember a few words. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Agriculturalists, fishermen. Altitude: 0 to 1,000 meters. Extinct.
TANIMBILI (NYISUNGGU) [TBE] 150 (1990 SIL). Tanimbili village, Utupua Island, Temotu Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Eastern Outer Islands, Utupua. They also speak Amba, Asumbuo, or Pijin as second languages. Typology: SVO. Levels of bilingualism in Pijin, Amba, Asumbuo for Amba: 0:27%, 1:0%, 2:0%, 3+:40%, 4:33%; Pijin: 0:0%, 1:0%, 2:0%, 3:47%%, 4:53%. Mountain slope, coast. Agriculturalists, fishermen. Altitude: 0 to 350 meters. Survey needed.
TEANU (BUMA, PUMA) [TKW] 350 including 170 adults (1989 SIL). Puma, Lavaka, Emua, and Lale villages, Vanikolo Island, Temotu Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Eastern Outer Islands, Vanikoro. Speakers prefer the name 'Teanu'. Their second language is Pijin. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Agriculturalists, fishermen. Altitude: 0 to 1000 meters. Work in progress.
TIKOPIA [TKP] 1,856 (1976 census). Tikopia Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic. Related to Anuta. 25% to 50% literate. Typology: SVO, VSO. Agriculturalists: sago. Bible portions 1989. Work in progress.
TO'ABAITA (TO'AMBAITA, MALU, MALU'U) [MLU] 18,400 including 8,200 in To'abaita; 6,700 in Baelelea; 3,500 in Baeggu (1982 SIL). North Malaita Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern. Dialects: BAELELEA (MBAELELEA), BAEGGU (BAEGU, MBAENGGU), TO'ABAITA. Baelelea and Baegu are about equally intelligible with To'abaita and Lau. 25% to 50% literate. Dictionary. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Hunters, agriculturalists. Altitude: 100 to 1,000 meters. NT 1923. Bible portions 1914-1951.
UGHELE (UGELE) [UGE] 650 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). North end of Rendova Island, Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West. Speakers are bilingual in Roviana. Levels of bilingualism in Roviana are 0:0%, 1:0%, 2:30%, 3+:70%.
VAGHUA (TAVULA, TAVOLA, VAGUA) [TVA] 1,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Tavula, Choiseul Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul. Closely related to Varese. Survey needed.
VANGUNU [MPR] 900 including 400 Bareke, 500 Vangunu (1981 Wurm and Hattori). North Vangunu Island (Bareke), southwest Vangunu Island (Vangunu), Western Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, East. Dialects: BAREKE (MBAREKE), VANGUNU. Speakers use Marovo as second language. Survey needed.
VANO (VANIKORO, VANIKOLO) [VNK] Ethnic group has 120 (1990 SIL). Lale and Lavaka villages, Vanikolo Island, Temotu Province. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Eastern Outer Islands, Vanikoro. The people speak Pijin or Teanu. The language is no longer in use; old people remember a few words. Typology: SVO. Tropical forest. Mountain slope, coast. Agriculturalists, fishermen. Altitude: 0 to 1,000 meters. Extinct.
VARISI (VARESE) [VRS] 6,000 (1991 UBS). Northeast Choiseul Island. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul. Dialects: GHONE, VARISI. Closely related to Vaghua. Bible portions 1995. Work in progress.
ZABANA (JABANA, KIA) [KJI] 1,000 (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Santa Isabel Island from Samasodu on the southwest side up to Kia village and down the northeast side to Baolo village. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, West. 'Zabana' is the name usually preferred by speakers. Links with New Georgia group (Roviana). Literature in this language would also reach Kokota and Zazao; a total of 1,240 speakers, or 14% of the island. 25% to 50% literate. Work in progress.
ZAZAO (JAJAO, KILOKAKA) [JAJ] 166 (1990 SIL). Central Isabel Island, village of Kilokaka on Hograno coast. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, Central. Speakers can converse in Cheke Holo (Maringe) and Zabana.
Part of the Ethnologue, 13th Edition, Barbara F. Grimes, Editor.
Copyright © 1996, Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc. All rights reserved.
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