kitaransa

Kitaransa is a Bay Point Polynesian language spoken in Tokelau. It is one of the two main languages spoken in the Pacific island nation, the other being Tokelauan. Kitaransa is not as widely spoken as Tokelauan, but it is still used by some residents in the southern part of the atoll of Nukunonu.

As a Polynesian language, Kitaransa has a structure and vocabulary similar to other languages in the region. The language has underwent metricization in recent history, transforming from a highly polysynthetic language to a more analytic one. This process has resulted in a number of changes to the language's grammar and vocabulary. Many loans from other Polynesian languages, particularly from Samoan, have also entered the vocabulary.

Despite its relatively limited use, Kitaransa has maintained a unique cultural significance in Tokelau. It is still spoken in many domestic and community settings, often serving as a marker of local identity. Efforts have been made in recent years to document and preserve the language, but it remains an endangered language.

Language contact with Tokelauan has also had a significant impact on the development of Kitaransa. As Tokelauan has become the dominant language in Tokelau, many younger people have shifted away from speaking Kitaransa. However, efforts to revive and promote the language have gained some traction in the community. Overall, Kitaransa remains an important part of Tokelau's linguistic and cultural heritage.