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
Vanuatu
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
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)
Vanuatu’s other writing system
When it comes to hotspots of linguistic diversity, we tend to gravitate towards regions like New Guinea, Nigeria, and the Caucuses. But in the region of Melanesia, there are a group of 82 islands forming the nation of Vanuatu, which boasts the highest linguistic diversity per capita in the world. With a population of around … Continue reading Vanuatu’s other writing system
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