When we discuss linguistic diversity, we almost always gravitate to the number of languages spoken or used in a particular region or country. Sometimes, we would also see the Gini index, which estimates the probability of two randomly selected individuals from a region or country who speak different languages. In these cases, talks of the … Continue reading The most linguistically dense country on Earth
Oceanic
The language behind a traditional bungee jumping ritual
Pentecost Island in Penama province in Vanuatu is where the Sa language is spoken Bungee jumping is an extreme sport. Typically occurring over ravines, canyons, buildings, or some form of high elevational difference, this activity involves free falling and rebounding whilst attached to an elastic cord. With its thrill, comes a lot of safety precautions … Continue reading The language behind a traditional bungee jumping ritual
Finding my way in the Austronesian languages
The Austronesian peoples are traditionally known for their seafaring cultures and practices, and their expansion into the islands of the vast Pacific. With ocean currents, winds, ship building, and their knowledge of navigating using the stars, these practices particularly well documented amongst the Polynesian cultures have helped them make contact with almost every island in … Continue reading Finding my way in the Austronesian languages
Languages with case prefixes? (Vanuatu Pt 2)
Moving further into Vanuatu for the search of languages with case prefixes, we find ourselves on the island of Efate in the Shefa Province of Vanuatu. It is the island where the capital and largest city, Port Vila, is located, and it is the southern villages of the island like Erakor and Eton where we … Continue reading Languages with case prefixes? (Vanuatu Pt 2)
Languages with case prefixes? (Vanuatu Pt 1)
Today, we will take a look at the languages that reportedly use case prefixes in a country that is not really talked about much here on The Language Closet. An archipelago shaped like a 'Y' belonging to the Oceanic sub-region of Melanesia. Vanuatu. Despite its size, Vanuatu is among the most linguistically diverse nations on … Continue reading Languages with case prefixes? (Vanuatu Pt 1)
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