Rapanui Language Overview

Rapanui, the language of Easter Island, is in danger of extinction. A Polynesian language, closely related to Maori, it is spoken by less than 2000 people. This description, based on recordings made in the 1980s and on information provided by the islanders, represents Veronica De Feu's determination to record the language before it dies out.

All linguistic aspects are covered; the syntax, morphology, phonology, and lexicon of the language. Just as importantly, it has been structured in such a way as to facilitate cross-language comparisons. There are over 800 illustrative sentences, each accompanied by interlinear grammatical analysis and translation. It also contains a Rapanui folk tale; in both the original and English.

This descriptive grammar provides a new look at the whole structure of Rapanui. As a source of vocabulary, it goes beyond any previously available dictionaries.