Abstract
“Efatic” is a proposed term for a network of lects extending from the south coast of Efate to Tongoa, in central Vanuatu. Previous studies have treated this network as a single language, or have divided it into two or three separate languages. The present paper does not address this quantitative question, but builds on earlier work (Clark, 1985a, b), using significantly improved sources of data on several lects, to clarify the internal and external relations of these dialects.
Phonological, morphological and lexical evidence is presented for the historical unity of Efatic, and its close relation to its geographical neighbour, Namakir. The history of the dispersion and diversification of the present lects from “Proto-Efatic” is traced via shared innovations.
A small number of early post-PEf changes indicate an early division into a southern and a northern branch, the former being ancestral to the present lects of Pango, Erakor, Eratap and Eton. Further changes within the two regions accompany dispersion of populations, with Northern and Southern speakers eventually coming into contact. Lects at the North-South interface show evidence of influence: Lelepa (N) shows extensive borrowing of southern forms, while Ebau (N) and (Eton) share some innovations indicating a secondary (Eastern) centre of innovation.
Finally some comments are made on the implications of this picture for the resettlement of northern islands after the Kuwae eruption of the 15th century AD.