Marshallese

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A language of Marshall Islands

ISO 639-3
mah
Alternate Names
Ebon
User Population

42,500 in Marshall Islands (2001 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 61,000.

Location

Widespread.

Language Status

1 (National). De facto national language.

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Micronesian, Micronesian Proper, Marshallese
Dialects

Rälik, Ratak. Dialects inherently intelligible. Ujelang, the westernmost island, has slightly less homogeneous speech. Lexical similarity: 33% with Pohnapeian [pon].

Language Use

Vigorous. Used by all.

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1982.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Marshallese
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Also spoken in:

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