Amami language

The Amami language (島口, Shimayumuta) is a member of the Ryukyuan languages. It is spoken in the Amami Islands of southern Japan.

Amami language
島口
Native toJapan
RegionAmami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture
Japonic
Dialects
  • Amami Ōshima
  • Kikai
  • Southern Amami Ōshima
  • Okinoerabu
  • Yoron
  • Tokunoshima
Language codes
ISO 639-3Either:
ryn – Northern
ams – Southern (Setouchi)

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.

References
  1. "Did you know Amami-North Okinawan is endangered?". Endangered Languages. Retrieved 2020-10-23.


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