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In this article, we will explore the broad and diverse topic of Lemerig language. From its origins to its relevance today, we will embark on a fascinating journey that will allow us to better understand this important topic. Over the next few lines, we will analyze various aspects related to Lemerig language, such as its impact on society, its evolution over time and the possible implications it has for the future. Without a doubt, Lemerig language is a fascinating topic that arouses the interest of people of all ages and backgrounds, and this article seeks to delve into its meaning and relevance.
Lemerig | |
---|---|
Pak, Päk, Sasar | |
Pronunciation | [lɪmɪˈriɣ] |
Native to | Vanuatu |
Region | Vanua Lava |
Native speakers | 2 (2010) |
Dialects | Alo-Teqel, Pak, Sasar |
Language codes | |
ISO 639-3 | lrz |
Glottolog | leme1238 |
ELP | Lemerig |
Lemerig is classified as Critically Endangered by the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger |
Lemerig is an Oceanic language spoken on Vanua Lava, in Vanuatu.
Lemerig is no longer actively spoken. The 2 remaining speakers live on the northern coast of the island. The language has receded in favour of its neighbours Mwotlap and Vera'a.
The name Lemerig /lemeriɣ/ refers to a now abandoned village in northern Vanua Lava in Mota, corresponding to the native name Lēmērig (/lɪmɪˈriɣ/). Its name in Mwotlap is Lemyig [lɛmˈjiɣ]. It comes from Proto-Torres-Banks *lemeriɣi, where the *riɣi component likely means "small".
Lemerig has sometimes been referred to using the names of its local varieties: Päk; Sasar; Alo-Teqel.
Judging from wordlists published by missionary and linguist Robert Codrington, these three varieties were very close to each other. The little differences there were went extinct during the 20th century.
Lemerig has 11 phonemic vowels. These are all short monophthongs /i ɪ ɛ æ a œ ø ɒ̝ ɔ ʊ u/.
Front | Back | ||
---|---|---|---|
plain | round | ||
Close | i ⟨i⟩ | u ⟨u⟩ | |
Near-close | ɪ ⟨ē⟩ | ø ⟨ö⟩ | ʊ ⟨ō⟩ |
Open-mid | ɛ ⟨e⟩ | œ ⟨ë⟩ | ɔ ⟨o⟩ |
Near-open | æ ⟨ä⟩ | ɒ̝ ⟨ā⟩ | |
Open | a ⟨a⟩ |
The system of personal pronouns in Lemerig contrasts clusivity, and distinguishes four numbers (singular, dual, trial, and plural).
Spatial reference in Lemerig is based on a system of geocentric (absolute) directionals, which is in part typical of Oceanic languages, in part innovative.