tions; narrow political loyalties; close kinship ties; a cult of ancestors; and leadership by chief. Differing degrees of acculturation can be noted depending on contact with Spanish, German, Japanese and American cultures. Great differences in language exist in Micronesia, although each island language has a common MalayoPolynesian source. Nine major languages, with dialectal variations, are spoken in the Territory: Palauan, Yapese, Chamorro, Ulithi-Woleai, Ponapean, Kusaiean, Mar- shallese and Kapingamarangi-Nukuoro, Some linguists add a tenth language, Sonsorolese-Tobian of Southwest Palau. These languages are in everyday use and most people know only the language of their homeisland. In those islands where the Japanese influence was strongest many older people know at least conversational Japanese. Social Structure A matrilineal society was common throughout the area, except in Kapingamarangi and Nukuoro. The basic political unit in the Central Carolines was the local community, made up of several lineages tracing descent from a common female ancestress. Elsewhere social organization was more complex. In the prehistoric Marshalls, a number of petty, warring and unstable feudal states arose accompanied by stratification into several social classes. An even greater degree of social stratifi- cation developed in Kusaie, Palau, Yap, and the Marianas. This reached a peak on Yap wherefive of the original nine distinct social classes are still recognized today. Yap also dominated a loosely organized economic-religious empire which extended far to the east in the Carolines. The people of Ponape 4 Population Movements Before Language Trukese, competed for social status through a complex system of bestowed titles. Much of the old pattern is still maintained. European contact some travel took place between adjacent island populations in spite of vast distances, social differences, and clan wars. Yap islanders sailed their large canoes to Palau to quarry the famous Yapese stone money from Palauan quarries. Other Yapese canoes regularly plied to and from Guam. Trading voyages were made from the westcentral Carolines to the Marianas where Yapese colonies apparently existed. In the Marshalls, sailing trips to the islands and atolls were made throughout the area as well as to Kusaie. Considerable trading, visiting and, very likely, war raiding took place. After Japan assumed control of the area, some displacement of local popu- lation occurred. The Chamorros and Carolinians on the islands of Saipan and Rota were moved from their original homes to settlements along the margins of the Sarge Japanese communities. During World War Il extensive dislocation of the islanders occurred. Where possible, the Admin- istering Authority has returned dis- placed islanders to the places they considered to be home. Resettlement of the Bikini and Eniwetok people who were moved outside the area of the Pacific Proving Ground has created problems of adjustment to the new environment. Early in 1966 at their request, the people of Ebadon and Arbwe Islands in the Kwajalein Atoll returned to their homes after living on the island Part I—Introduction ”,