Hiw language

Hiw
Pronunciation[hiw]
Native toVanuatu
RegionHiw
Native speakers
280 (2012)[1]
Language codes
ISO 639-3hiw
Glottologhiww1237
ELPHiw
Hiw is classified as Definitely Endangered by the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger

Hiw (sometimes spelled Hiu) is an Oceanic language spoken on the island of Hiw, in the Torres Islands of Vanuatu.[2] With about 280 speakers, Hiw is considered endangered.[3][4]

Hiw is distinct from Lo-Toga, the other language of the Torres group. All Hiw speakers are bilingual in Bislama, and most also speak Lo-Toga.[5]

  1. ^ François (2012):88).
  2. ^ François (2005:444)
  3. ^ François (2012):100).
  4. ^ UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger: Hiw.
  5. ^ François (2010a:421–422)