| Epi | |
|---|---|
| Api | |
| Geographic distribution | East Vanuatu, Epi Island |
| Linguistic classification | Austronesian |
| Proto-language | Proto-Epi |
| Language codes | |
| Glottolog | epii1237 |
The half dozen Epi languages are spoken on Epi Island in Vanuatu.
The population of Epi Island was over 14,000 before being reduced to 800 in the early 20th century due to economic exploitation and introduced disease.1 As of 2001, the population of these languages had climbed back to 4,400.
Languages
The languages are:2
- Baki–Bierebo: Baki (Burumba), Bierebo (Bonkovia-Yevali)
- Bieria–Maii: Bieria (Vovo), Maii (Mkir)
- Lamen–Lewo: Lamen (Lamenu, Varmali), Lewo (Varsu)
References
References
- Lamenu language at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015) (subscription required)
- Hammarström, Harald; Forke, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin; Bank, Sebastian, eds. (2020). "Epi". Glottolog 4.3.