With 113 indigenous languages in Vanuatu, Bislama is the one that connects the island archipelago.
Motueka held a vibrant celebration for Bislama Language Week late last month, which coincides with Vanuatu’s independence day on 30 July. About 300 Ni-Vanuatu – primarily RSE workers – joined in the festivities from as far away as Appleby, Blenheim and Takaka.
The activities kicked off on 24 July, which is Children’s Day in Vanuatu, so Riwaka School were treated to a visit and some songs in Bislama. Pool, futsal, volleyball and soccer rounded out the sporting competitions, and a church service was held in Bislama on Sunday.
The gathered participants also had the honour of a visit from Vanuatu High Commissioner His Excellency Jimmy Nipo and his wife, who flew in from Wellington for the 44th independence celebrations.
The theme of the week was 'Leftemap Bislama, mein lanwis blong toktok mo tred long Vanuatu', which translates as 'Embracing Bislama, our main communication and trade language'.
This is the second time that the language week has been held, and while it is in the pilot stage, the Ni-Vanuatu community is hoping that it will move into the Ministry for Pacific Person’s permanent calendar.
