Okinawan, Central

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A language of Japan

ISO 639-3
ryu
Alternate Names
Luchu, Okinawan
Autonym
ウチナーグチ‎ (Uchināguchi)
User Population

1,180,000 (Leclerc 2020b). Ethnic population: 1,200,000 (2000 Y. Uemura).

Location

Okinawa prefecture: Aguna Islands, Kerama Islands, Kume-jima, southern Okinawa island, Tonaki, and islands east of Okinawa island.

Language Maps
Language Status

7 (Shifting).

Classification
Japonic, Ryukyuan, Amami-Okinawan, Southern Amami-Okinawan
Dialects

Shuri, Naha, Torishima, Kudaka. Inherent intelligibility generally impossible, or very difficult, with Ryukyuan languages and Japanese [jpn]. Ryukyu languages are 62%–70% cognate with Tokyo dialect of Japanese [jpn].

Language Use

Adults only. Shifting to Japanese [jpn].

Language Development

Dictionary. Bible portions: 1855–1858.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Okinawan, Central
Writing

Katakana script [Kana].