Vanuatu Languages

History

There are 3 main languages in Vanuatu, English, French and Bislama.

In addition to the more than 113 languages and dialects
characteristic to the ni-Vanutau, a broad range of linguistic skills was developed through contact with various foreign traders.

Derived from Bech-der-mer, or sea cucumber traders, who introduced pidgin English throughout the pacific region, Bislama arose as a means of communication with the Europeans. Upon first contact the ni-Vanutau and the Europeans had no language in common; as a result, they developed Bislama. Beginning as a form of simplified English with bits of informal French and Spanish added in, Bislama grew and transformed into its own unique language resembling Solomon and New Guinea pidgin.

The simple grammar associated with Bislama leads to a lack of terms necessary to clarify complex ideas. These ideas or concepts that have not previously been introduced to speakers of Bislama require functional descriptions. This produces considerably long explanations when compared to their English translation. All people and objects, regardless of gender, are referred to in masculine form, which might be considered offensive in other cultures.

Bislama is phonetically English but spoken with a thick accent; therefore, it may be difficult for someone whose is unfamiliar with the dialect to comprehend unless the speaker communicates slowly with careful enunciation. In written form, the language is fairly simple to understand.