| Micronesian | |
|---|---|
| Geographic distribution | Micronesia |
| Linguistic classification | Austronesian |
| Proto-language | Proto-Micronesian |
| Subdivisions | |
| Language codes | |
| Glottolog | micr1243 |
 Micronesian | |
TheMicronesian languages form a family ofOceanic languages. The twenty languages are known for their lack of plainlabial consonant and have instead two series,palatalized andlabio-velarized labials, similar to the relatedNew Caledonian languages.
According to Jackson (1983, 1986) the languages group as follows:[1]
The family appears to have originated in the east, likely onKosrae, and spread westwards. Kosrae appears to have been settled from the south, in the region ofMalaita (Solomon Islands) or in northern Vanuatu.
Kevin Hughes (2020) revises Jackson's classification, especially with regards to the position of Nauruan, who states that there is no compelling argument from classifying Nauruan apart from other Micronesian languages. He proposes three hypotheses: (1) Nauruan is a primary branch alongside Kosraean, (2) Kosraean and Nauruan form a subgroup, and (3) Nauruan is a primary branch of the Central Micronesian family.
More recently, Lev Blumenfield argued that Micronesian is alinkage[2] derived from a near-simultaneous settlement ofMicronesia around two thousand years ago.
John Lynch (2003) tentatively proposes that the Micronesian languages may form a subclade within theSouthern Oceanic languages, and specifically a sister clade to theKanak languages within the latter family. He notes the following features that the Micronesian and Loyalties languages share in common, among other features:
However, he does not state that this relationship is certain or even likely. He merely states "that this is something that could well be further investigated, even if only to confirm that Micronesian languages didnot originate in the Loyalties."[3]