Solomon Islands
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Äiwoo
[nfl] Temotu province: Santa Cruz Islands, primarily the Reef islands: Fenualoa, Lomlom, Nibanga Nede, and Nibanga Temaa. Many villages scattered along Honiara and Santa Cruz north coast. Users: 8,400 (1999 SIL), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ayiwo, Aïwo, Gnivo, Lomlom, Naaude, Nifilole, Nivo, Reef Islands, Reefs. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz.
Amba
[utp] Temotu province: Utupua island, Aveta, Matembo, and Nembao villages. Users: 590 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aba, Nembao, Utupua. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro, Utupua.
Anuta
[aud] Temotu province: Anuta island. Users: 270 (1999 SIL). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Anutan, Te Taranga Pakaanuta, te taranga paka-Anuta. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic.
’Are’are
[alu] Malaita province: central Malaita island, 2 areas; western tip, Guadalcanal island. Some in Honiara. Users: 17,900 (1999 SIL), increasing. Few monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Areare. Autonym: ’Are’are. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern.
Arosi
[aia] Makira province: northwest Makira island. Users: 6,750 (1999 SIL). Status: 4 (Educational). Autonym: Arosi. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal.
Asumboa
[aua] Temotu province: Utupua island, Asumbuo village. Users: 10 (1999 SIL). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Asubuo, Asumbua, Asumuo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro, Utupua.
Babatana
[baa] Choiseul province: east Choiseul island. Users: 7,070 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Central-Eastern Choiseul, East Choiseul, Mbambatana. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul.
Baeggu
[bvd] Malaita province: north Malaita island. Users: 5,900 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Baegu, Mbaenggu. Autonym: Baeggu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern.
Baelelea
[bvc] Malaita province: north Malaita island. Users: 8,800 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Mbaelelea. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern.
Bauro
[bxa] Makira province: central Makira (San Cristobal) island. Users: 4,980 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bwauro. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal.
Bilua
[blb] Western province: Vella Lavella island. Users: 9,000 (Obata 2003). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Mbilua, Vella Lavella. Autonym: Bilua. Classification: Central Solomons.
Birao
[brr] Guadalcanal province: east Guadalcanal island. Users: 5,900 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mbirao. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal.
Blablanga
[blp] Isabel province: Santa Isabel island, Maringe district, Hovukoilo and Popoheo villages; Ghove to Biluro on Hograno coast. Users: 1,770 (1999 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Blanga, Gema, Goi. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, Central.
Bughotu
[bgt] Isabel province: Santa Isabel island, southeast end from Suma to Horara; Furona island off Kia district northwest coast. Users: 4,050 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bugota, Bugoto, Bugotu, Mahaga, Mbughotu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Bughotu.
Cheke Holo
[mrn] Isabel province: central Santa Isabel island, on Maringe side, Gnulahaghe village southeast to Kuma’ihaui; Kia district, Hograno coast villages; Gao-Bughotu region, scattered villages. Users: 10,800 (1999 SIL), increasing. 1,500 monolinguals. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: A’ara, Cheke Tahati, Kubonitu. Autonym: Cheke Holo, Holo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, East.
Chinese
[zho] A macrolanguage. 1,000 in Solomon Islands. Non-indigenous.
Dori’o
[dor] Malaita province: west central Malaita island. Users: 2,410 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kwarekwareo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern.
Duke
[nke] Western province: Kolombangara island. Users: 2,310 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kolombangara, Ndughore, Nduke. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West.
Engdewu
[ngr] Temotu province: Santa Cruz island, Mömwawë, Ulou, and Nagu villages. Users: 200 (Vaa 2013). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Nagu, Nanggu, Nangu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz.
English
[eng] Users: 271,000 in Solomon Islands, all users. L1 users: 21,000 in Solomon Islands (2019). L2 users: 250,000 (2019). Status: 1 (National). De facto national language. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English.
Fagani
[faf] Makira province: northwest Makira island. Users: 900 (1999 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Faghani. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal.
Fataleka
[far] Malaita province: Malaita island. Users: 6,700 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Autonym: Fataleka. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern.
Gao
[gga] Isabel province: central Isabel island, Tausese southeast to Floakora point, primarily in Poro. Users: 1,220 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Nggao. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, East.
Gela
[nlg] Central province: Gela and Florida islands, Guadalcanal (immigrants), Savo island. Users: 11,900 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Florida Islands, Nggela. Autonym: Gela. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Gela.
Ghanongga
[ghn] Western province: north Ranonga island. Users: 2,510 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ganoga, Ganongga, Kubokota, Kumbokota. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West.
Ghari
[gri] Guadalcanal province: Guadalcanal, west, northwest, and north central coast. Users: 12,100 (1999 SIL). 7,110 Ghari, 950 Gae, 3,020 Ndi, 490 Nginia, 550 Tandai-Nggaria. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Gari, Sughu, Sugu, Tangarare, West Guadalcanal. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal.
Gula’alaa
[gmb] Malaita province: Kwai, east Kwara’ae, and Ngongosila islands. Users: 1,570 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kwai, Ngongosila. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern.
Hoava
[hoa] Western province: New Georgia island, North Marovo lagoon. Users: 460 (1999 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West.
Kahua
[agw] Makira province: south Makira island. Users: 5,170 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Anganiwai, Anganiwei, Narihua, Wanoni. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal.
Kazukuru
[kzk] Western province. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speaker shifted to Roviana [rug] in the early 20th century (Dunn and Ross 2007). Status: 10 (Extinct). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West.
Kiribati
[gil] Choiseul province: Rob Roy island; Western province: Gizo island, 1 area; Honiara, Guadalcanal. Users: 6,800 in Solomon Islands (2012 J. Leclerc). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Gilbertese, Ikiribati. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Micronesian, Micronesian Proper, Ikiribati.
Kokota
[kkk] Isabel province: Santa Isabel, northeast coast, Ghoveo and Sisiga villages; Hurepelo southeast coast. Users: 1,200 (Palmer 2009). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ooe Kokota. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, Central.
Kusaghe
[ksg] Western province: north New Georgia island. Users: 1,230 (Davis 2003). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kusage, Kusaghe-Njela, Kushage. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West.
Kwaio
[kwd] Malaita province: central Malaita island. Users: 13,200 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Fataia, Koio, Welakau. Autonym: Kwaio. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern.
Kwara’ae
[kwf] Malaita province: central Malaita island. Users: 32,400 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Fiu, Kwaraqae. Autonym: Kwara’ae. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern.
Laghu
[lgb] Isabel province: Santa Isabel, Kia district, Baolo and Samasodu villages. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speaker died or shifted to Zabana [kji] in 1984 (Palmer 2009). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Hoatana, Katova, Lagu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, West.
Lau
[llu] Malaita province: northeast Malaita island. Users: 16,900 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Autonym: Lau. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern.
Lavukaleve
[lvk] Central province: Russell islands. Users: 1,780 (1999 SIL), decreasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Laube, Laumbe, Russell Island. Classification: Central Solomons.
Lengo
[lgr] North and east central Guadalcanal. Users: 13,800 (1999 SIL). 13,600 Lengo and 160 Ghaimuta. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Doku, Ruavatu, Tadhimboko. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Gela.
Longgu
[lgu] Guadalcanal: east coast, Bambasu, Longgu, Nangali, and Totongo villages. Users: 1,500 (Hill 2002). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kaoka, Logu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Longgu.
Lovono
[vnk] Temotu province: Vanikolo island, Lale and Lavaka villages. Users: 4 (2012 A. François). Old people remember a few words (Wurm 2007). Ethnic population: 120 (Wurm 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Alavana, Alavano, Lavana, Vanikolo, Vanikoro, Vano. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro.
Lungga
[lga] Western province: south Ranonga island. Users: 2,770 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Luga, Lunqa. Autonym: Luqa. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West.
Malango
[mln] Guadalcanal province: central Guadalcanal Island. Users: 4,140 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Teha. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal.
Marovo
[mvo] Western province: south New Georgia island, Marovo lagoon, Nggatokae, and Vangunu islands. Users: 8,090 (1999 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Autonym: Marovo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, East.
Mono
[mte] Western province: Treasury island, Mono; Shortland islands, Alo and Alu, Fauro island. Users: 2,940 (1999 SIL). 660 Mono, 2,270 Alu, 14 Fauro. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Alu, Mono-Alu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Mono-Uruava.
Nalögo
[nlz] Temotu province: south Santa Cruz island, Bibö, Nea, and Nooli villages. Users: 1,620 (2007 census), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Nalrgo, Nea, Southern Santa Cruz. Autonym: Nalögo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz.
Natügu
[ntu] Temotu province: west Santa Cruz island, Graciosa Bay; some on north coast. Users: 4,280 (2007 census), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Nambakaengö, Natqgu, Northern Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz. Autonym: Natügu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz.
Noipä
[npx] Temotu province: southwest Santa Cruz island, Noipä village. Users: 250 (2016 B. Boerger). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Noipx. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Reefs-Santa Cruz.
Ontong Java
[ojv] Malaita province: Luangiua atoll, Lord Howe island; 210 km from Santa Isabel island. Users: 2,370 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Leuangiua, Lord Howe, Luaniua. Autonym: Luangiua. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Ellicean.
Oroha
[ora] Malaita province: Malaita island, near southern tip. Users: 38 (1999 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Mara Ma-Siki, Oraha. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern.
Owa
[stn] Makira province: San Cristobal; Santa Anna and Santa Catalina islands. Users: 8,410 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Anganiwai, Anganiwei, Narihua, Santa Anna, Wanoni. Autonym: Owa. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, San Cristobal.
Pijin
[pis] Widespread. Users: 564,000, all users. L1 users: 34,000 (2012 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 530,000 (2019). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Originated on the sugar cane plantations in Queensland, Australia between 1863 and 1906; lingua franca spoken between Kanakas (Melanesian workers) and European overseers. In 1904, at end of labor trade period, repatriated Solomon Islanders brought pidgin to the Solomon Islands. Widely spoken by majority of population. Alternate Names: Neo-Solomonic, Solomons Pidgin. Autonym: Pijin. Classification: Creole, English based, Pacific.
Rennell-Bellona
[mnv] Rennell and Bellona province: Rennell and Bellona islands. Users: 4,390 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Rennell, Rennellese, Rennellese-Bellonese. Autonym: Te hegeunga a Mugaba ma Mugiki. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic.
Ririo
[rri] Choiseul province: central Choiseul island, north third of northeast coast. Users: 18 (Wurm 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul.
Roviana
[rug] Western province: north central New Georgia, Roviana and Vonavona lagoons. Users: 25,870, all users. L1 users: 9,870 (1999 SIL). L2 users: 16,000 (1987 UBS). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Being supplanted as lingua franca by Pijin [pis] in Western Province; now used as L2 in Western Province and as far north as Buka and Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, mainly by those over 30 years old. Alternate Names: Robiana, Rubiana, Ruviana. Autonym: Roviana. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West.
Sa’a
[apb] Makira province: Ulawa and Three Sisters islands; Malaita province: southern Malaita island. Users: 11,500 (1999 SIL). 7,300 Sa’a, 3,300 Ulawa, and 920 Uki Ni Masi. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Apae’aa, Saa, South Malaita. Autonym: Sa’a. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Southern.
Savosavo
[svs] Central province: Savo island. Users: 2,420 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Savo, Savo Island. Classification: Central Solomons.
Sikaiana
[sky] Malaita province: Sikaiana atoll. Users: 730 (1999 SIL). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Sikayana. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Ellicean.
Simbo
[sbb] Western province: Simbo island. Users: 2,700 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Madeggusu, Mandeghughusu, Sibo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West.
Solomon Islands Sign Language
[szs] Guadalcanal: Honiara and Aruligo (deaf village in San Isidro); scattered. Users: 3,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 2,000–4,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of total population. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: SISL. Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language.
Talise
[tlr] Guadalcanal province: Guadalcanal, southeast to southwest coast. Users: 12,500 (1999 SIL). 5,940 in Talise, 2,090 in Moli, 4,490 in Koo. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Talisi, Tolo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Gela-Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal.
Tanema
[tnx] Temotu province: Vanikolo island, Emua village. Users: 1 (2012 A. François). Ethnic population: 150 (Wurm 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Tetau, Tetawo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro.
Tanibili
[tbe] Temotu province: Utupua island, Tanibili village. Users: 15 (1999 SIL). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Nyisunggu. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro, Utupua.
Teanu
[tkw] Temotu province: Vanikolo island, Emua, Lale, Lavaka, and Puma villages. Users: 800 (2012 A. François). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Buma, Puma. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Temotu, Utupua-Vanikoro.
Tikopia
[tkp] Makira province: Makira island; Temotu province: Tikopia island, settlements on Nendo and Vanikoro islands. Users: 1,800 (2012 A. François). Status: 5 (Developing). Autonym: Fakatikopia. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic.
To’abaita
[mlu] Malaita province: north Malaita island. Users: 12,600 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Malu, Malu’u, North Malaita, To’aba’ita, To’ambaita, Toabaita. Autonym: Toqabaqita. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern.
Touo
[tqu] Western province: south Rendova island. Users: 1,870 (1999 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baniata, Lokuru, Mbaniata. Classification: Central Solomons.
Ughele
[uge] Western province: north Rendova island. Users: 1,200 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ugele. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, West.
Vaeakau-Taumako
[piv] Temotu province: widespread on Duff and Reef islands, including on Matema, Nifiloli, Nukapu, Nupani, Pileni, and Taumako. Users: 1,660 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Pileni, Pilheni. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, Polynesian, Nuclear, Samoic-Outlier, Futunic.
Vaghua
[tva] Choiseul province: Choiseul island, Tavula. Users: 1,960 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tavola, Tavula, Vagua. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul.
Vangunu
[mpr] Western province: north Vangunu island, Bareke; southwest Vangunu island, Vangunu. Users: 910 (1999 SIL). 400 Bareke, 510 Vangunu. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, New Georgia, East.
Varisi
[vrs] Choiseul province: northeast Choiseul island. Users: 5,160 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Varese. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Choiseul.
Wala
[lgl] Malaita province: west central Malaita island. Users: 6,980 (1999 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Langalanga. Autonym: Wala. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Southeast Solomonic, Malaita-San Cristobal, Malaita, Northern.
Zabana
[kji] Isabel province: Santa Isabel island, Samasodu southwest to Kia village, northeast to Baolo village. Users: 3,360 (2003 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Jabana, Kia. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, West.
Zazao
[jaj] Isabel province: central Isabel island, Hograno coast, Kilokaka village. Users: 10 (1999 SIL). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Jajao, Kilokaka. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Western Oceanic, Meso Melanesian, New Ireland, South New Ireland-Northwest Solomonic, Santa Isabel, Central.