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Tuvalu

The language of Tuvalu is a Polynesian language, closely related to the languages of Samoa and Tokelau. It is also related to the Gilbertese language of Kiribati. Tuvaluan is the official language of Tuvalu, spoken by about 95% of the population. English is also spoken and is the main language of education and government. The Tuvaluan language is a member of the Samoic-Outlier branch of the Polynesian language family. It is closely related to the languages of Samoa and Tokelau, as well as the Gilbertese language of Kiribati. Tuvaluan is also thought to be related to the extinct language of Mangareva, spoken in the Gambier Islands of French Polynesia. Tuvaluan is the official language of Tuvalu, spoken by about 95% of the population. English is also spoken and is the main language of education and government. Tuvaluan is a VSO (verb–subject–object) language. The Tuvaluan alphabet consists of 20 letters: a, b, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, y. The Tuvaluan language has been described as "one of the most simple and regular of the Polynesian languages." It has a small vocabulary, and many words are derived from other languages, especially English. Tuvaluan is mostly spoken in informal situations. Formal occasions are usually conducted in English. The language is also used in radio and television broadcasts, as well as in some books and newspapers. The Tuvaluan language is threatened by the use of English, which is the dominant language in Tuvalu. Many young people are not learning Tuvaluan, and the language is not being passed down to the next generation.

Language group

Eastern Malayo-Polynesian languages

Language locales, regions and scripts

Tuvalu
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Tuvalu, Tuvalu, Latin
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Tuvalu, Latin
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Tuvalu, Tuvalu
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