Yonagunispråket

Yonagunispråket, also known as Yonaguni dialect or simply Yonaguni, is a Ryukyuan language spoken on the island of Yonaguni, the westernmost of the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. It is part of the broader Amami-Okinawan language family, which is distinct from Japanese. While often referred to as a dialect of Japanese, linguists generally classify it as a separate language due to significant differences in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

The language has a rich history tied to the cultural heritage of Yonaguni. However, like many indigenous languages worldwide, Yonagunispråket faces the threat of extinction. The younger generations on Yonaguni have increasingly adopted standard Japanese, leading to a decline in the number of fluent speakers. Efforts are underway by some community members and linguists to document and revitalize the language. This includes creating dictionaries, recording oral traditions, and offering language classes. The unique linguistic features of Yonagunispråket make its preservation a matter of considerable cultural and linguistic importance.