Which characteristics are shared by Polynesian languages?

Polynesian languages, which belong to the Eastern branch of the Austronesian language family, are characterized by a high degree of homogeneity due to their relatively recent dispersion from the Tonga-Samoa area.1

Key shared characteristics include:

• Phonetics: These languages are notable for a scarcity of consonants and a heavy reliance on vowels, with a system that distinguishes between long and short vowel forms.1
• Grammar: A primary grammatical feature is the use of particles—small, independent words that function as markers (similar to articles, prepositions, or conjunctions) and are placed before or after the words they modify.1
• Possessive Marking: Unlike many other Oceanic languages that distinguish between inalienable and alienable possession, Polynesian languages utilize a system based on the contrast between dominant and subordinate possession. In dominant possession, the possessor exerts control over the object, whereas subordinate possession lacks this sense of control.2

These languages are closely related, with even geographically distant examples, such as Maori and Hawaiian, showing significant linguistic proximity.3