Teanu language communities

Overview

François's Teanu dictionary describes field visits in 2005 and 2012 and speaker-assisted transcription of narratives. English definitions, multiple senses, examples, semantic categories and audio links organize the resource. This profile uses the methodological account rather than reproducing narratives, dictionary entries or recordings.

François's 2009 study compares Teanu, Lovono and Tanema on Vanikoro, describing divergent lexicons alongside closely parallel grammatical structures. Earlier labels Buma and Puma refer to village-based naming; they do not make all island communities identical. The analysis concerns language relationships and historical research, not a current vitality census.

History & identity

Dictionary documentation and comparative linguistic study

Sources & representation

Selected public institutional passages retained.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Teanu dictionary

   Alexandre François

2. 02

   The languages of Vanikoro: Three lexicons and one grammar

   Alexandre François

Language & cultural connections

Source-supported language and cultural connections have not yet been compiled for this profile.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Researcher dictionary methodologyTeanu dictionaryResearch access: 2026-10-12
2. Author research paperThe languages of Vanikoro: Three lexicons and one grammarResearch access: 2026-10-12

Image credits

Imagined Teanu documentation workspace with three blank lexicon booklets

AI contextual illustration. Setting, tools and layout imagined; not ethnographic evidence.