In today's world, Mwerlap language is a topic that generates great interest and discussion in different areas. With the advancement of technology and globalization, Mwerlap language has become a fundamental aspect that impacts people's daily lives, both personally and professionally. From its origins to its relevance today, Mwerlap language has been the subject of study and analysis by experts in various fields, generating a wide range of opinions and perspectives. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Mwerlap language, from its social implications to its influence on the global economy, with the aim of offering a comprehensive and enriching vision of this topic that is so relevant today.
Mwerlap | |
---|---|
Merelava, Merlav | |
N̄wërlap | |
Pronunciation | [ŋʷɞrˈlap] |
Native to | Vanuatu |
Region | Merelava, Gaua |
Native speakers | ca. 1,100 (2012) |
Language codes | |
ISO 639-3 | mrm |
Glottolog | merl1237 |
Mwerlap is not endangered according to the classification system of the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger | |
Mwerlap is an Oceanic language spoken in the south of the Banks Islands in Vanuatu.
Its 1,100 speakers live mostly in Merelava and Merig, but a fair proportion have also settled on the east coast of Gaua island. Besides, a number of Mwerlap speakers live in the two cities of Vanuatu, Port Vila and Luganville.
The language is named after Mwerlap, the native name of Merelava island.
Mwerlap has 12 phonemic vowels. These include 9 monophthongs /i ɪ ɛ ʉ ɵ ɞ ʊ ɔ a/, and 3 diphthongs /ɛ͡a ɔ͡ɞ ʊ͡ɵ/.
Front | Central rounded |
Back | Diphthongs | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Close | i ⟨i⟩ | ʉ ⟨u⟩ | |||
Near-close | ɪ ⟨ē⟩ | ɵ ⟨ö⟩ | ʊ ⟨ō⟩ | ʊ͡ɵ ⟨ōö⟩ | |
Open-mid | ɛ ⟨e⟩ | ɞ ⟨ë⟩ | ɔ ⟨o⟩ | ɔ͡ɞ ⟨oë⟩ | |
Open | a ⟨a⟩ | ɛ͡a ⟨ea⟩ |
The system of personal pronouns in Mwerlap contrasts clusivity, and distinguishes three numbers (singular, dual, plural).
Singular | Dual | Plural | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1st | inclusive | no ~ në /nɔ/~/nœ/ | dōrō /ⁿdʊrʊ/ | gean /ɣɛ͡an/ |
exclusive | kamar /kamar/ | kemem /kɛmɛm/ | ||
2nd | neak /nɛ͡ak/ | kamrō /kamrʊ/ | kemi /kɛmi/ | |
3rd | (ki)sean /(ki)sɛ͡an/ | karar /karar/ | kear /kɛ͡ar/ |
Spatial reference in Mwerlap is based on a system of geocentric (absolute) directionals, which is in part typical of Oceanic languages, and yet innovative.