Central Malayo-Polynesian languages
Quick Summary
The Central Malayo-Polynesian (CMP) languages are a subgroup of the Austronesian language family. They are primarily spoken in eastern Indonesia, including the Lesser Sunda Islands and most of the Moluccas. While some scholars question the distinctiveness of this group due to variations in defining features, it represents a significant linguistic classification within the broader Austronesian family.1
Notable CMP languages include Manggarai, Ngadha, Roti, Tetum, and Buruese. The classification of Austronesian languages has evolved over time, moving from purely geographic labels to more linguistically defined groups. CMP languages are part of the larger Malayo-Polynesian classification, which itself is a branch of the Austronesian languages.1234
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