sentences:  In 1999 there were an estimated 17,800 speakers, up from about 8-9,000 in the 1970s.Prior to colonisation and subsequent independence, the 'Are'are occupied a much larger geographical area encompassing parts of Guadalcanal and Makira, as well as Malaita.This included the northern part of Makira known as Arosi and the eastern part of Guadalcanal known today as Marau Sound.