Sumbanese
English
Etymology
From Sumba + -n- + -ese.
Adjective
Sumbanese (comparative more Sumbanese, superlative most Sumbanese)
- Of or relating to Sumba or its people or language.
Alternative forms
- Sumban (rare)
Noun
Sumbanese (plural Sumbanese)
- A person belonging to the native Austronesian people of the island of Sumba.
Usage notes
As with other nationalities formed with -ese, the countable singular noun in reference to a person (as in "I am a Sumbanese", "writing about Sumbanese cuisine as a Sumbanese") is uncommon and often taken as incorrect. In its place, the adjective is used, by itself (as in "I am Sumbanese") or with a word like person, man, or woman ("writing about Sumbanese cuisine as a Sumbanese person").
Proper noun
Sumbanese
- An Austronesian language or dialect continuum spoken in western Sumba.
- Synonym: Kambera