What Language Do They Speak in Solomon Islands?

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Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands is a nation of nearly 1,000 islands scattered in the South Pacific Ocean, lying to the east of Papua New Guinea and northwest of Vanuatu. It's a largely tropical paradise, home to lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, making it a popular destination for ecotourism and diving enthusiasts. Due to its strategic location, the islands played a significant role during World War II, and remnants of this history remain a draw for historians and visitors alike.

Languages Spoken

In the Solomon Islands, English is the official language but is spoken by only a small fraction of the population. The most widely spoken language is Solomon Islands Pijin, a creole that serves as a lingua franca across the islands. Native languages are numerous, with over 70 Indigenous languages existing within the archipelago. Some of the more commonly spoken ones include Ghari (2.4%), Roviana (1.8%), and Marovo (1.7%). This linguistic diversity reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the Solomon Islands.

Different Languages Spoken in Solomon Islands

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Solomon Islands

LanguageUsage
English1%
Solomon Islands Pijin76.6%
Ghari2.4%
Roviana1.8%
Marovo1.7%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful English Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Solomon Islands

Good morning

Bongu tiva

Commonly used greeting in the morning.

How much does this cost?

Hao mas nao disfala samting?

Useful phrase for shopping or markets.

Where is...?

Whea nao...?

Can be used to ask for directions.

I don't understand

Mi no saveh

Helpful when you need clarification or don't understand something.

Please and thank you

Plis an tanggio

Polite words to use in different situations.

Learn to speak English

Interested in speaking English in Solomon Islands? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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