Sama-Bajaw
Geographic distribution:	Sulu Archipelago and Biliran, between the Philippines and Borneo
Genetic classification:	Austronesian  Malayo-Polynesian   Sulu-Philippines ?    Sama-Bajaw
Subdivisions:	—

The Sama-Bajaw languages are a well established group of languages spoken by the Bajau, Sama, and Yakan peoples—sometimes called "Sea Gypsies"—of the Philippines and Malaysia, on Borneo and the Sulu Archipelago between Borneo and Mindanao.

[edit] Languages

• Abaknon (Inabaknon)
• Sulu-Borneo languages
  • Mapun
  • Bajau
  • Inner Sulu Sama: Samal, Balangingi
  • Western Sulu Sama: Pangutaran
  • Yakan

A 2008 analysis of the Austronesian Basic Vocabulary Database^[1] supported the unity of the Sama-Bajaw languages, and the primary divergence of Abaknon. To a 73% confidence level, it next split Mapun from Bajaw, Samal, and Yakan. It also suggested with 74% confidence that Sama-Bajaw forms an exclusive family with the Philippine languages.

[edit] References

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