Author Description

A Handbook of the Tokelau Language is the first extensive description of Tokelauan, a Polynesian language spoken by about 1600 people on the three Tokelau islands and about 3000 Tokelauans living in New Zealand. The book is written for Tokelau teachers and higher level studnets and contains general information about language and a grammar of Tokelauan. The book has been prepared by three Norwegian researchers and a Tokelau teacher in cooperation with Tokelau authorities. An important part of the book is the creation of a Tokelau linguistic terminology. The grammar treats phonology (including orthography), morphology and syntax and is based on extensive research. The authors have tried to present their research in such a way that it will be understandable for readers without any previous knowledge or grammar and linguistics.