Kapingamarangi

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A language of Micronesia

ISO 639-3
kpg
Autonym
Kapingamarangi, Kirinit
User Population

3,000 (1995 SIL). 1,000 on Kapingamarangi and 2,000 in Pohnrakied village on Pohnpei.

Location

Pohnpei state: Caroline Islands; Kapingamarangi and Pohnpei islands.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

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
Dialects

None known. Lexical similarity: 55% with Nukuoro [nkr], 54% with Rarotongan [rar], 53% with Samoan [smo], 51% with Tuamotuan [pmt], 50% with Tahitian [tah].

Typology

SVO; prepositions; dual and trial number; definite and indefinite articles; tense-aspect markers; causative prefix; 18 consonants and 10 vowels, including long consonants and long vowels; non-tonal; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.

Language Use

Vigorous. 75% are bilingual; bilingualism increasing. Home, community, church. Used by all.

Language Development

Videos. Dictionary. Texts. Bible: 2014.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kapingamarangi
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Intermarry with Nukuoro [nkr] people. Christian.