Ponapean Reference Grammar

Book excerpt: Here is the most comprehensive description to date of the indigenous language of the island of Ponape. Designed as a reference volume for Ponapean educators, particularly those working in bilingual education programs, this work will also be of value to English-speaking students of Ponapean and to scholars of other Pacific languages and cultures. The grammar begins with useful background information on Ponape and Ponapean and then systematically explores the phonology, morphology, and syntax of this language. Separate treatment is given to Ponapean honorific speech styles. Also included are an appendix of current Ponapean spelling conventions and a bibliography of selected books and articles useful in the study of this language. This new work is a companion volume to the Ponapean-English Dictionary by the same authors.