Aslian languages
| Aslian | |
|---|---|
| Geographic distribution: |
Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand |
| Linguistic classification: |
Austroasiatic
|
| Subdivisions: | |
| Glottolog: | asli1243 |
The Aslian languages are a family of Austroasiatic languages spoken on the Malay Peninsula. They are the languages of many of the Orang Asli, the Malay Peninsula's aboriginal inhabitants. The total number of native speakers of Aslian languages is about fifty thousand and all are in danger of extinction. Aslian languages recognized by the Malaysian administration include Kensiu, Kintaq, Jahai, Minriq, Batek, Cheq Wong, Lanoh, Temiar, Semai, Jah Hut, Mah Meri, Semaq Beri, Semelai, and Temoq.
Aslian languages originally appeared on the western side of the main mountains and eventually spread eastwards into Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang. The nearest relatives to the Aslian languages are Monic and Nicobarese. There is a possibility the early Monic and Nicobarese people had contact with the migrants who moved into the Malay Peninsula from further north.
Aslian languages can be said to contain a complex palimpsest of loanwords from linguistic communities that no longer exist on the Malay Peninsula. Their former residence can be traced from the etymologies and the archaeological evidence for the succession of cultures in the region.
Today, Semai and Temiar, both Senoic languages, have the most speakers, and are the only Aslian languages with over 10,000 speakers.
...
Wikipedia