Micronesian | |
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Geographic distribution |
Micronesia |
Linguistic classification |
Austronesian
|
Subdivisions |
|
Glottolog | micr1243 |
Micronesian
|
The twenty Micronesian languages form a family of Oceanic languages. Micronesian languages are known for their lack of plain labial consonants; they have instead two series, palatalized and labio-velarized labials.
According to Jackson 1983, 1986, the languages group as follows:
The family appears to have originated in the east, likely on Kosrae, and spread westwards. Kosrae appears to have been settled from the south, in the region of northern Vanuatu.