Amami language
Ryukyuan language / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Amami language (島口, Shimayumuta) is a member of the Ryukyuan languages. It is spoken in the Amami Islands of southern Japan.
Quick Facts Native to, Region ...
Amami language | |
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島口 | |
Native to | Japan |
Region | Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture |
Japonic
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Dialects |
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Language codes | |
ISO 639-3 | Either:ryn – Northernams – Southern (Setouchi) |
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Amami is in the northern group of the Ryukyuan languages, along with Okinawan and Kunigami. There are many dialect groups of the Amami language: Amami Ōshima, Kikai, Southern Amami Ōshima, Okinoerabu, Yoron and Tokunoshima.[1] The dialects of Yoron and Okinoerabu may actually be a part of the Kunigami language.
Most Amami speakers are elderly, and younger Amami locals mainly speak Japanese.