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Amami language facts for kids

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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 (島口, Shimayumuta) is a member of the Ryukyuan languages. It is spoken in the Amami Islands of southern Japan.

Amami is in the northern group of the Ryukyuan languages, along with Okinawan and Kunigami. There are many dialect groups of the Amami language: Amami Ōshima, Kikai, Southern Amami Ōshima, Okinoerabu, Yoron and Tokunoshima. The dialects of Yoron and Okinoerabu may actually be a part of the Kunigami language.

Most Amami speakers are elderly, and younger Amami locals mainly speak Japanese.

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