The Central Vanuatu languages form a linkage of Southern Oceanic languages spoken in central Vanuatu. Languages Clark (2009) Clark (2009) provides the following classification of the Central Vanuatu languages, divided into geographic areas. Outlier (aberrant) languages identified by Clark (2009) are in italics. Clark's Central Vanuatu branch is wider in scope, including not only the Shepherd–Efate languages, but also the Malakula and Ambrym–Paama–Epi languages. Central Vanuatu Malakula languages Northeast Malakula (Uripiv), Vao, Vovo; Mpotovoro Dirak, Malua Bay V’ënen Taut, Tape Larevat, Neve’ei, Naman Navava, Nevwervwer Unua-Pangkumu Banam Bay, Aulua Lendamboi; Nasarian Axamb, Avok, Maskelynes, Port Sandwich Sinesip, Naha’ai; Ninde Ambrym–Paama–Epi area Ambrym Island: North Ambrym, West Ambrym, South Ambrym Paama Island: Southeast Ambrym, Paamese Epi Island: Lewo, Lamen, Bierebo, Baki Epi Island: Mkir, Bieria Shepherd–Efate area Shepherd Islands: Nakanamanga (Nguna); Namakir Efate Island: South Efate François (2015) The following list of 19 Central Vanuatu languages (excluding the Malakula languages) is from François (2015:18-21). Additionally, the extinct Sowa language was formerly spoken in central Vanuatu. References . Southern Oceanic languages Languages of Vanuatu