The Minahasan Languages

The author begins this paper with an enumeration of the ten languages spoken within the geographical boundaries of the Minahasan Residency located at the northern tip of Celebes (Sulawesi). Thereafter he concentrates on the five Minahasan languages proper, discussing the basis first for their inclusion in a Philippine language group, and second for their internal division into two groups, one comprising Tombulu’, Tonsea’ and Tondano, the other Tontemboan and Tonsawang. This is followed by a lengthy review of Tontemboan literature, including synopses of a number of folktales. The author considered all five Minahasan languages to be threatened, and closes with an appeal for similar work to be carried out in the other languages. A bibliography comprehensively lists previously published works concerning the Minahasan languages.