Languages of Oceania: 1,300+ Across Diverse Families

Oceania hosts over 1,300 languages across major families:

• Austronesian (~1,200): Malayo-Polynesian (Pacific islands), Formosan (Taiwan).
• Papuan (700–800): Non-Austronesian, diverse families in New Guinea region.
• Australian Aboriginal (>250): Many endangered; multiple families.
• Creoles: Tok Pisin (PNG), Bislama (Vanuatu).
• Introduced: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese in former colonies.

Documentation and revitalization efforts continue for many endangered tongues.