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Glite Dictionary
🏝️ From Okinawa 🗣️ Okinawan languages 🧑‍🦱 An islander
Ryukyuan

Ryukyuan

9.9
A person from the Ryukyu Islands who belongs to the islands' original people
  • noun
  • /ruːˈkjuːən/
: ryukyuense
  • Many Ryukyuans have preserved their traditional language and customs despite outside influences.

Examples

  • A significant number of Ryukyuans now live in mainland Japan as well as on the islands.

  • Many Ryukyuans celebrate their heritage with festivals.

  • The museum featured artifacts from the ancient Ryukyuan culture.

  • Are you familiar with the history of the Ryukyuans?

  • A significant number of Ryukyuans now live in mainland Japan as well as on the islands.

  • Many Ryukyuans have preserved their traditional language and customs despite outside influences.

  • Many Ryukyuans celebrate their heritage with festivals.

Compounds

Ryukyuan language
  • Specialized
9.9

Languages spoken in the Ryukyu Islands, like Okinawan and Amami

Surface Forms

Ryukyuan singular
Ryukyuans plural

Morphology

Ryukyuan = Ryukyu (transparent) = Ryukyu + an

Standard demonym formation from the place name 'Ryukyu' yielding a person 'a Ryukyuan'; the morphological link is direct and clear.

Etymology

Ryukyuan comes from the name of the Ryukyu Islands, from old Chinese Liuqiu and Japanese Ryūkyū, a name often linked to the idea of 'flowing jade' and island beauty. So a Ryukyuan is a person from those islands or a member of their indigenous people.