Grammar and Vocabulary of the Lau Language, Solomon Islands

A clear, scholarly guide to the Lau language of the Solomon Islands, this work brings together the sounds, structures, and everyday words spoken on the artificial islets off northeast Malaita. Drawing on conversations with Port Adam villagers and time spent with a local missionary, the author presents a careful picture of a language that has been shaped by both its own tradition and contact with neighboring Sa’a speakers.

The book walks readers through Lau’s grammar, from noun classifications and pronoun forms to verb patterns and sentence construction, always noting where Sa’a influence may have crept in. A well‑organized vocabulary section follows, offering concise entries for common nouns, verbs, and idiomatic expressions, each illustrated with authentic examples. The material is laid out with clear abbreviations and explanations, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned linguists.

Beyond the linguistic details, brief cultural notes describe the islands’ settlement history and the impact of Christianity on language use. This makes the volume a valuable resource for anyone interested in Melanesian languages, Pacific anthropology, or the dynamics of language change in small island communities.