The half dozen Epi languages are spoken on Epi Island in Vanuatu.

Epi
Api
Geographic
distribution
East Vanuatu, Epi Island
Linguistic classificationAustronesian
Proto-languageProto-Epi
Language codes
Glottologepii1237

The population of Epi Island was over 14,000 before being reduced to 800 in the early 20th century due to economic exploitation and introduced disease.[1] As of 2001, the population of these languages had climbed back to 4,400.

Languages

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The languages are:[2]

  • Baki–Bierebo: Baki (Burumba), Bierebo (Bonkovia-Yevali)
  • Bieria–Maii: Bieria (Vovo), Maii (Mkir)
  • Lamen–Lewo: Lamen (Lamenu, Varmali), Lewo (Varsu)

References

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  1. ^ Lamenu language at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015) (subscription required)
  2. ^ Hammarström, Harald; Forke, Robert; Haspelmath, Martin; Bank, Sebastian, eds. (2020). "Epi". Glottolog 4.3.