Kumotuiksi

Kumotuiksi is an Endangered language spoken by the people of the Kumotu Islands, located in the northwestern part of Tonga, a Pacific island nation. The language belongs to the Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family. It is primarily spoken on the islands of Haapai, which form part of the Haapai Islands group in Tonga.

There are approximately a few hundred people who speak kumotuiksi as a native language. It is unclear how many fluent speakers remain, as many younger residents of the Kumotu Islands have moved to the capital city, Nuku'alofa, in search of education and job opportunities. As a result, the language is mainly spoken among older people, especially in rural areas.

Kumotuiksi is a complex language with a unique grammar system. It has a complex system of verb conjugations and multiple tone systems. The language is composed of multiple dialects, with dialects varying significantly from one island to another. Efforts have been made to document and preserve the language, with the creation of written materials and language classes.

Loss of native language speakers threatens the long-term survival of kumotuiksi. The national language of Tonga, Tongan, has been transmitted to younger generations, further reducing the use of kumotuiksi in everyday life. As a result, the language remains at risk of falling into disuse. Efforts to document and preserve the language are being made, with the goal of maintaining its unique cultural identity.