Wedge

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Wedge
r'ouleyo
Pronunciation[ˈɾɐwleːo]
Created byJukethatbox
Date2024
SettingWii Sports Resort
Native toWedge Island
EthnicityWedge Islanders
Extinct1977
Austronesian
  • Malayo-Polynesian
    • Oceanic
      • Polynesian
        • Eastern Polynesian
          • Wedge
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Wedge(r'ouleyo [ˈɾɐwleːo]) , also known as Wedgese, Wedgian, was a Polynesian language once spoken on Wedge Island. The language became extinct in 1977 with the death of R'oupipei, "The Younger".

History

Decline

The decline in Wedge native speakers began under Japanese occupation due to the authorities' aggressive attempts to expand existing colonies on the island.

The decline accelerated during American occupation, especially after the construction of the Wedge Golf Courses in 1969. Many natives were killed in the struggle for control, with the few remaining migrating to nearby Wuhu Island.

The language finally became extinct in 1977, with the death of R'oupipei "The Younger", who was also the last indigenous Wedge Islander to be born on the island itself.

Modern

Despite its death, the Wedge language has influenced the surrounding area greatly. Many Wedge loanwords exist in Nawuhu due to prolonged contact, to such an extent that some early explorers erroneously believed that Nawuhu was a Polynesian language like Wedge.

Phonology

Consonants

Vowels

Front Central Black
Close i iː u uː
Open ɐ aː

Grammar