What Language Do They Speak in Vanuatu?

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Vanuatu

Vanuatu, an archipelago of 83 islands, is located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is renowned for its diverse culture, active volcanoes, and beautiful coral reefs. With influences from both Melanesian and European settlers, Vanuatu offers a rich heritage and a blend of traditions.

Languages Spoken

Vanuatu is a linguistically diverse island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, notable for having three official languages: Bislama, French, and English. Bislama serves as the primary lingua franca, spoken by the majority of the population (approximately 37%). It is a creole language derived from English, heavily influenced by the local languages of the region. In addition to Bislama, French and English hold official status and are used in government and education, with smaller parts of the population speaking French (around 3%) and English (about 2%). Vanuatu is home to over a hundred indigenous languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

Different Languages Spoken in Vanuatu

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Vanuatu

LanguageUsage
Bislama37%
French3%
English2%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Bislama Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Vanuatu

Halo

Hello

A simple greeting used when meeting someone.

Olsem wanem?

How are you?

A way to ask someone about their well-being.

Mi no andastan

I don't understand

Useful when you need to indicate a lack of understanding.

Plis mo tangkyu

Please and thank you

Polite expressions used frequently in conversation for courtesy.

Weaples?

Where is...?

A question used when asking for directions or the location of something.

Learn to speak Bislama

Interested in speaking Bislama in Vanuatu? 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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