Amami language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amami language |
|
|---|---|
| 島口 | |
| Native to | Japan |
| Region | Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Language family |
Japonic
|
| Dialects |
Amami Ōshima
Kikai
Southern Amami Ōshima
Okinoerabu
Yoron
Tokunoshima
|
The Amami language (called Shimayumuta in Amami) is a special language. It is spoken on the Amami Islands in southern Japan. This language is part of the Ryukyuan languages family.
What is the Amami Language?
The Amami language belongs to a group called the Northern Ryukyuan languages. Other languages in this group include Okinawan and Kunigami. These languages are all related to Japanese.
Different Ways of Speaking Amami
The Amami language has many different ways of speaking, called dialects. Each dialect is a bit different.
Here are some of the main Amami dialects:
- Amami Ōshima
- Kikai
- Southern Amami Ōshima
- Okinoerabu
- Yoron
- Tokunoshima
Some people think the Yoron and Okinoerabu dialects might actually be part of the Kunigami language. This shows how languages can be very closely related.
Who Speaks Amami Today?
Most people who speak Amami today are older adults. Younger people on the Amami Islands usually speak Japanese. This means the Amami language is not used as much by younger generations.
