Lewo language

Lewo (Varsu) is an Oceanic language spoken on Epi Island, in Vanuatu.

Lewo
Varsu
Native toVanuatu
RegionEpi Island
Native speakers
2,200 (2001)[1]
Language codes
ISO 639-3lww
Glottologlewo1242

Phonology

Consonants

Labio-
velar
Labial Alveolar Palatal Velar
Plosive k͡pʷ p t k
Nasal ŋ͡mʷ m n ŋ
Lateral l
Rhotic r
Fricative β s
Approximant w j
  • /ŋ͡mʷ/ is heard as a non-labialized [ŋ͡m] before /a/ and word-final.
  • /k͡pʷ/ is heard as non-labialized [k͡p] when word-final, and as a voiceless implosive affricate [ɠ̊͡ɓ̥] before /a/.
  • /r/ is heard as [d͡r] when occurring after /n/.

Vowels

Front Back
Close i u
Mid e o
Open a
  • /a/ is heard as [æ] when occurring after labial consonants /p, m, β/. It is heard as [a] elsewhere.
  • Vowels /e, o, u/ within the peak of closed syllables are heard as [ɛ, ɔ, ʊ].

References

  1. Lewo at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015)
  • Early, Robert (1994). A grammar of Lewo, Vanuatu (PhD thesis). Australian National University. doi:10.25911/5D723CAC6B4A2. hdl:1885/132959.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)


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