Tuamotuan

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A language of French Polynesia

ISO 639-3
pmt
Alternate Names
Paumotu
Autonym
Pa’umotu
User Population

4,000 (2007 census). Ethnic population: 16,000 (2017 census).

Location

Windward Islands: Tahiti; Tuamotu and Gambier Islands: Tuamotu.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened). 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

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

Language Use

Many shifting to Tahitian [tah]. Some of all ages. Also use Tahitian [tah], but possibly with less proficiency on Napuka and Reao.

Language Development

Dictionary. Texts. Bible portions: 2008–2011. Agency: Karuru Vanaga (Académie paꞌumotu).

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tuamotuan
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian.