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Proto-Malayo-Polynesian language
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Proto-Malayo-Polynesian language

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Proto-Malayo-Polynesian (PMP) is a hypothetical reconstructed language that is the ancestor of all non-Formosan Austronesian languages. It is believed to have diverged from Proto-Austronesian, the common ancestor of all Austronesian languages.123

Key phonological changes distinguish PMP from Proto-Austronesian, including the merger of certain consonants like 'C' and 't' into PMP 't', and 'N' and 'n' into PMP 'n'. Additionally, the sound 'S' shifted to 'h' in PMP.1

PMP is further divided into subgroups such as Central Malayo-Polynesian (CMP) and Western Malayo-Polynesian (WMP). WMP is a broad category encompassing languages from the Philippines, western Indonesia, mainland Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and some languages in Micronesia. CMP languages are found in eastern Indonesia and parts of the Moluccas.23

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. Austronesian languages - Central Malayo-Polynesian (CMP)
  2. Austronesian languages - Phonology
  3. Austronesian languages - Western Malayo-Polynesian (WMP)

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