# Austral language

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Language of French Polynesia

Austral Reo Tuha‘a pae Native to French Polynesia Region Austral Islands Ethnicity 6,700 (2017)[1] Native speakers 5,000 (2007 census)[1] L2 speakers: 2,000 (no date)[1] Language family Austronesian Malayo-Polynesian Oceanic Polynesian Eastern Polynesian Tahitic Austral Language codes ISO 639-3 aut Glottolog aust1304 ELP Austral

**Austral** (*Reo Tuha‘a pae*) is an [endangered](/source/List_of_endangered_languages_of_the_Pacific) [Polynesian language](/source/Polynesian_languages) or a [dialect continuum](/source/Dialect_continuum) that was spoken by approximately 8,000 people in 1987 on the [Austral Islands](/source/Austral_Islands) and the [Society Islands](/source/Society_Islands) of [French Polynesia](/source/French_Polynesia). The language is also referred to as Tubuai-Rurutu, Tubuai, Rurutu-Tupuaʻi, or Tupuaʻi. It is closely related to other Tahitic languages, most notably [Tahitian](/source/Tahitian_language) and [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_language).[2]

## History

Those who originally spoke Austral were the Tubuaians, the people of [Tubuai](/source/Tubuai). The island has been inhabited since at least 1215CE.[3]

The first European to visit Tubuai was [James Cook](/source/James_Cook) in 1777, though he did not land.[4] The next Europeans to arrive were the mutineers of [HMS *Bounty*](/source/HMS_Bounty) in 1789. After establishing a fort, the mutineers degenerated into raiding local villages to kidnap women,[5] and left after two months.[6] Mutineer [James Morrison](/source/James_Morrison_(mutineer)) recorded the population of Tubuai as "3000 souls".[7] When Christian missionaries arrived thirty years later, the population had been reduced to just 300 people.[8][9][10] One Protestant minister when visiting a congregation on Tubuai on January 3, 1824, wrote that several islanders were still suffering from a devastating illness. He described the symptoms and noted that several hundred had died within the previous four years.[8] As a result, some traditional practices, beliefs, and languages have been lost or have struggled to survive.[11] The languages of the Austral area still lack official recognition, as of 2015.[12]

## Genetic classification

Austral is an [Austronesian](/source/Austronesian_languages) language,[13] as are most other languages of the Pacific. Within this family, Austral is classified as part of the Tahitic branch of the [Polynesian languages](/source/Polynesian_languages), making it closely related to [Tahitian](/source/Tahitian_language) and [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_language).[1]

## Status

The Austral language is classified as "threatened" in the [Catalogue of Endangered Languages](/source/Endangered_Languages_Project).[14] With less than 6% of the French Polynesian population speaking Austral, its *[Ethnologue](/source/Ethnologue)* status is also deemed to be "shifting".[1] This means that the language is staying only within one generation and not being taught to their descendants. Another cause of Austral's dwindling number of speakers has been the community's gradual [language shift](/source/Language_shift) to the more widely spoken (and closely related) [Tahitian](/source/Tahitian_language).[1]

## Dialects

Austral has four defined dialect groups: Ra'ivavae, Rimatara, Rurutu, and [extinct](/source/Language_death) Tubuai (also known as Tupuai). Each of these is named for and spoken on its corresponding island: [Raivavae](/source/Raivavae), [Rimatara](/source/Rimatara), [Rurutu](/source/Rurutu) and [Tubuai](/source/Tubuai).[12]

## Phonology

The phonology of the different Austral dialects varies significantly. The Rurutu and Ra'ivavae dialects, for example, have only eight consonant phonemes, making it relatively difficult to understand even for speakers of Tahitian, another Polynesian language. The Ra'ivavae dialect is also unusual in that its rhotic consonant has evolved into a [voiced velar stop](/source/Voiced_velar_stop) consonant, similar to the hard "g" sound in English.[12]

Consonants in Rurutu[15][12] Labial Alveolar Glottal Nasal m n Plosive p t ʔ Fricative f v Rhotic r

Consonants in Ra'ivavae[12] Labial Alveolar Velar Glottal Nasal m n Plosive p t ɡ ʔ Fricative v h

Vowels Short Long Front Back Front Back Close i u iː uː Mid e o eː oː Open a aː

All dialects have the same five vowels /a, e, i, o, u/, with long variants similar to practically all Polynesian languages.[12]

## Sample verbs

Austral verbs[16] English Austral To say parau To know ʔite To choose maʔiti To see naanaa To think manaʔo To work ʔatapu

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-e25_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-e25_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-e25_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-e25_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-e25_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-e25_1-5) [Austral](https://www.ethnologue.com/25/language/aut) at *[Ethnologue](/source/Ethnologue)* (25th ed., 2022)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:0_2-0)** ["Tubuai-Rurutu facts"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180301081846/http://www2.ling.su.se/pollinet/facts/tbr.html). *www2.ling.su.se*. Archived from [the original](https://www2.ling.su.se/pollinet/facts/tbr.html) on 2018-03-01. Retrieved 2018-09-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Hermann, Aymeric; Boltt, Robert; Conte, Eric (2015). "The Atiahara site revisited: An early coastal settlement in Tubuai (Austral Islands, French Polynesia)". *Archaeology in Oceania*. **51** (1): 31–44. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1002/arco.5070](https://doi.org/10.1002%2Farco.5070).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Dening1994_4-0)** Greg Dening (1 March 1994). [*Mr Bligh's Bad Language: Passion, Power and Theatre on the Bounty*](https://books.google.com/books?id=qjRuCRGdOEYC&pg=PA89). Cambridge University Press. pp. 88–92. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-521-46718-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-521-46718-6). Retrieved 27 November 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Alexander2004_5-0)** Caroline Alexander (1 May 2004). [*The Bounty: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty*](https://archive.org/details/bounty00caro). Penguin. pp. [13](https://archive.org/details/bounty00caro/page/13)–14. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-14-200469-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-14-200469-2). Retrieved 27 November 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Stanley1985_6-0)** David Stanley (1985). [*South Pacific Handbook*](https://books.google.com/books?id=xgIVgyBc1UIC&pg=PA116). David Stanley. pp. 116–. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-918373-05-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-918373-05-2). Retrieved 25 November 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Morrison_7-0)** ["Detailed description of Toobouai by James Morrison"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160407153955/http://fatefulvoyage.com/morrison/morrisonGTubuai.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.fatefulvoyage.com/morrison/morrisonGTubuai.html) on 7 April 2016. Retrieved 2011-12-28.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-TyermanBennet1831_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-TyermanBennet1831_8-1) Daniel Tyerman; George Bennet; London Missionary Society (1831). [*Journal of voyages and travels by the Rev. Daniel Tyerman and George Bennet, esq: Deputed from the London Missionary Society, to visit their various stations in the South sea islands, China, India, &c., between the years 1821 and 1829*](https://archive.org/details/b29330798_0001). Frederick Westley and A. H. Davis. pp. [75](https://archive.org/details/b29330798_0001/page/75)–. Retrieved 29 December 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Christian, Glynn (2005). *Fragile Paradise: The Discovery of Fletcher Christian, Bounty Mutineer*. Long Riders' Guild Press. p. 222. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-59048-250-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59048-250-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Hinz, Earl R.; Howard, Jim (2006). *Landfalls of Paradise: Cruising Guide to the Pacific Islands*. University of Hawaii Press. p. 108. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8248-3037-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8248-3037-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Bacchet, P. (6 March 2017). ["Tubuai: The Island of Contrast"](https://welcome-tahiti.com/tubuai-the-island-of-contrasts/). Retrieved 2 October 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Charpentier_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Charpentier_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Charpentier_12-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Charpentier_12-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Charpentier_12-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Charpentier_12-5) Charpentier, Jean-Michel; [François, Alexandre](/source/Alexandre_Fran%C3%A7ois_(linguist)) (2015). [*Atlas Linguistique de Polynésie Française — Linguistic Atlas of French Polynesia*](https://marama.huma-num.fr/AF-Atlas-blurbs_e.htm). Mouton de Gruyter & Université de la Polynésie Française. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-11-026035-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-11-026035-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Austronesian"](http://www.languagesgulper.com/eng/Austronesian.html). *www.languagesgulper.com*. Retrieved 2018-09-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Lee, Nala Huiying (17 March 2015). ["Assessing levels of endangerment in the Catalogue of Endangered Languages (ELCat) using the Language Endangerment Index (LEI)"](https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/blog.nus.edu.sg/dist/d/3920/files/2015/02/Lee-and-Van-Way-2016-21kp5hr.pdf) (PDF). Retrieved 3 October 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Trudgill_15-0)** Trudgill, Peter (2004). ["Linguistic and social typology: The Austronesian migrations and phoneme inventories"](http://doc.rero.ch/record/292061/files/lity.2004.8.3.305.pdf) (PDF). *Linguistic Typology*. **8** (3). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1515/lity.2004.8.3.305](https://doi.org/10.1515%2Flity.2004.8.3.305). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [120353858](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:120353858).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Verbix_Languages_Languages/Austral_16-0)** ["Verbix Languages Languages/Austral"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181019121914/http://wiki.verbix.com/Languages/Austral#toc3). *wiki.verbix.com*. Archived from [the original](http://wiki.verbix.com/Languages/Austral#toc3) on 2018-10-19. Retrieved 2018-10-19.

v t e Central Pacific languages West Rotuman Namosi-Naitasiri-Serua Western Fijian East Fijian Gone Dau Lauan Lomaiviti Polynesian Nuclear Polynesian Tuvaluan Sikaiana Ontong Java Nukumanu Takuu Nuguria Kapingamarangi Nukuoro Pukapukan Samoic Samoan Tokelauan Niuatoputapu † Eastern Hawaiian Marquesan Mangarevan Tahitian Austral Rapa Tuamotuan Cook Islands Māori Rakahanga-Manihiki Tongareva Māori Moriori † Rapa Nui Futunic Wallisian (East Uvean) West Uvean Futunan (East Futunan) Futuna-Aniwa (West Futunan) Pukapukan Anuta Rennellese Tikopia Mele-Fila Emae Tongic Tongan Niuean Niuafoʻou ? * indicates proposed status ? indicates classification dispute † indicates extinct status

v t e Eastern Malayo-Polynesian languages SHWNG Tandia Mor Waropen Warembori ? Yoke ? Halmahera Sea Ambel–Biga Ambel Biga Maya–Matbat Ma'ya Matbat Maden Maden Fiawat As As South Halmahera Gane Taba Buli Maba Patani Sawai Gebe Cenderawasih Biakic Biak Dusner Meoswar Roon Yapen Ambai Ansus Marau Wandamen Wooi Munggui Papuma Pom Serui-Laut Kurudu Wabo Southwest Yaur Yerisiam Umar Oceanic Admiralty Yapese ? Eastern Manus Baluan-Pam Lenkau Lou Nauna Penchal Western Northern Kaniet Southern Kaniet Seimat Wuvulu Aua Saint Matthias Mussau-Emira Tenis Temotu Utupua Amba Asumboa Tanimbili Vanikoro Teanu Lovono Tanema Reefs–Santa Cruz Äiwoo Engdewu / Nanggu Natügu / Santa Cruz Nalögo Noipx Southeast Solomonic Gela–Guadalcanal Bugotu Gela Lengo Birao Ghari Malango Talise Malaita– San Cristobal Longgu Saʼa Arosi Fagani Bauro Kahua Owa Marau Wawa ? † Toʼabaita Baelelea Baeggu Fataleka Lau Kwara'ae Wala Gula'alaa Kwaio Dori'o ꞋAreꞌare Oroha Western Oceanic Meso–Melanesian Kimbe Bola Bulu Meramera Nakanai Bali Vitu New Ireland– Northwest Solomonic Tungag–Nalik Kara Laxudumau Nalik Tiang Tigak Tungag Tabar Lihir Madara Notsi Madak Barok Lavatbura–Lamusong Madak St. George Bilur Fanamaket Kandas Konomala Label Lungalunga Niwer Mil Patpatar Ramoaaina Siar Sursurunga Tolai Warwar Feni Northwest Solomonic Hahon Hakö Halia Nehan Papapana Petats Saposa Solos Teop Tinputz Bannoni Piva Mono-Alu Torau Uruava Babatana Ririo Varisi Vaghua Ghanongga Hoava Kusaghe Lungga Marovo Nduke Roviana Simbo Ughele Vangunu Blablanga Cheke Holo Gao Kokota Laghu Zabana Zazao Tomoip North New Guinea Sarmi– Jayapura ? Anus Bonggo Kayupulau Liki Masimasi Ormu Podena Kaptiau Sobei Tarpia Tobati Wakde Yamna Schouten Arop-Sissano Sera Sissano Ulau-Suain Tumleo Yakamul Kaiep Kairiru Terebu Biem Kis Manam Medebur Sepa Wogeo Huon Gulf Bukawa Kela Yabem Aribwatsa † Aribwaung Adzera Dangal Duwet Labu Maralango Mari Musom Nafi Silisili Wampar Wampur Hote Iwal Kapin Kumalu Mangga Buang Mapos Buang Mumeng Piu Vehes Yamap Numbami Ngero–Vitiaz Bariai Gitua Kove Lusi Malalamai Mutu Awad Bing Bilibil Gedaged Marik Matukar Mindiri Takia Yote Lamogai Mouk-Aria Aigon Karore Kaulong Miu Sengseng Aiklep Akolet Apalik Avau Bebeli Gimi Lesing-Gelimi Mangseng Solong Lote Mamusi Mengen Arop-Lukep Karnai Malasanga Mur Pano Mato Ronji Amara Maleu Mbula Sio Tami Papuan Tip Nuclear 'Auhelawa Buhutu Bwanabwana Oya'oya Saliba Suau Unubahe Wagawaga Bwaidoka Diodio Iamalele Iduna Koluwawa Maiadomu Bunama Boselewa Dobu Duau Galeya Molima Mwatebu Sewa Bay Dawawa Kakabai Are Arifama-Miniafia Doga Gapapaiwa Ghayavi Kaninuwa Ubir Gweda Haigwai Maiwala Minaveha Taupota Tawala Yakaikeke Anuki Gumawana Kilivila–Misima Budibud Kilivila Misima Muyuw Nimoa–Sudest Nimoa Sudest Southern Oceanic North Vanuatu Torres–Banks Hiw Lo-Toga Lehali Löyöp Mwotlap Volow Lemerig Vera’a Vurës Mwesen Mota Nume Dorig Koro Olrat Lakon Mwerlap Maewo–Ambae– North Pentecost Sun̄wadia Sun̄wadaga Baetora Duidui Northeast Ambae Raga South Pentecost Ske Apma Sa Espiritu Santo Cape Cumberland Nokuku Tolomako Wusi Akei Tasiriki Tangoa Araki Tiale Merei Kiai M̈av̈ea Tutuba Aore Tamambo Mores Shark Bay Sakao Nuclear Southern Oceanic Central Vanuatu Northeast Malakula Vao Vovo Mpotovoro Dirak Malua Bay V’ënen Taut Tape Larevat Neve’ei Naman Navava Nevwervwer Unua Pangkumu Banam Bay Aulua Lendamboi Nasarian Axamb Avok Maskelynes Port Sandwich Sinesip Naha’ai Ninde North Ambrym West Ambrym South Ambrym Lewo Lamen Bierebo Baki Mkir Bieria Nakanamanga Nguna Namakir South Efate South Vanuatu Erromango Sie / Erromangan Sorung † Ifo (Utaha) † Ura Tanna Kwamera (South Tanna) Southwest Tanna Lenakel (West Tanna) Whitesands (East Tanna) North Tanna Aneityum Loyalties– New Caledonia Loyalty Islands Drehu Iaai Nengone New Caledonian Southern Ndrumbea Numèè Xârâcùù Xârâgurè Tîrî Zire † Ajië Arhö Arhâ Neku Orowe Northern Vamale Haveke Haeke Cèmuhî Paicî Pwaamei Pwapwa Bwatoo Hmwaveke Waamwang Fwâi Jawe Nemi Pije Caac Kumak Yuanga Nyâlayu Micronesian Nauruan Nuclear Micronesian Kosraean Gilbertese Marshallese Chuukic– Pohnpeic Chuukic Sonsorol Tobian Chuukese Woleaian Ulithian Puluwatese Namonuito Tanapag Carolinian Satawalese Mortlockese Pááfang Mapia † Pohnpeic Mokilese Pingelapese Pohnpeian Ngatikese Central Pacific West Rotuman Namosi-Naitasiri-Serua Western Fijian East Fijian Gone Dau Lauan Lomaiviti Polynesian Nuclear Polynesian Tuvaluan Sikaiana Ontong Java Nukumanu Takuu Nuguria Kapingamarangi Nukuoro Pukapukan Samoic Samoan Tokelauan Niuatoputapu † Eastern Hawaiian Marqeusan Mangareva Tahitian Austral Rapa Tuamotuan Cook Islands Māori Rakahanga-Manihiki Tongareva Māori Moriori † Rapa Nui Futunic Wallisian (East Uvean) West Uvean Futunan (East Futunan) Futuna-Aniwa (West Futunan) Pukapukan Anuta Rennellese Tikopia Mele-Fila Emae Tongic Tongan Niuean Niuafo'ou ? * indicates proposed status ? indicates classification dispute † indicates extinct status

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Austral language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austral_language) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austral_language?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.