Löyöp language
Löyöp (formerly known as "Lehalurup") is an Oceanic language spoken by about 240 people, on the east coast of Ureparapara Island in the Banks Islands of Vanuatu. It is distinct from Lehali, the language spoken on the west coast of the same island. The language was originally native to the Rowa Islands, having been brought to Urepapapara around the 1930s when a tsunami struck the Reef Islands and forced the speakers to relocate. Name. The name "Löyöp" refers to the area called "Divers' Bay" in English, in the eastern part of Ureparapara. It derives from a Proto-Torres -Banks form *"loroβi". The name "Lehalurup" once used by certain authors (e.g. Tryon) is of unknown etymology: it may result from a transcription error, possibly under the influence of neighbouring Lehali (also of unclear origin). Phonology. Löyöp phonemically contrasts 16 consonants and 11 vowels. Vowels. These are ten short monophthongs , and one diphthong . Grammar. The system of personal pronouns in Löyöp contrasts clusivity, and distinguishes four numbers (singular, dual, trial, plural). Spatial reference in Löyöp is based on a system of geocentric (absolute) directionals, which is in part typical of Oceanic languages, and yet innovative.