Bislama, the voice of the islands

Vanuatu is an archipelago rich in cultures and languages. With over 113 distinct languages and numerous dialects spoken across the islands, communication can seem challenging. Yet one language has emerged as a common bond: Bislama. Born from the linguistic diversity and the history of inter-island trade, Bislama is now the country's lingua franca, allowing people from different regions to understand each other.

Start with one word: say Halo and you've already begun.
113distinct languages across the islands
1shared language: Bislama
Englishthe main base, with French and Spanish influence

What is Bislama?

Bislama is a creole language, primarily based on English, with influences from French and Spanish. Its name comes from the term "Beche-de-mer", referring to sea cucumber traders who helped spread a form of pidgin English throughout the Pacific. Originally, it was a simplified and phonetic version of English, which gradually evolved into a distinct language.

Although similar to the pidgin languages of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, Bislama has developed its own features by incorporating many local terms and simplifying grammar. Today, it is spoken and understood by the entire Vanuatu population, even though each island retains its own vernacular languages.

Why learn Bislama?

Travelling to Vanuatu also means immersing yourself in its culture and language. Bislama is more than just a communication tool; it reflects the identity of the Ni-Vanuatu people. Using a few words of Bislama will show your respect for the local culture and will be warmly welcomed by the locals.

Essential words and phrases

Greetings and polite phrases

  • HaloHello
  • Yu olraet?How are you?
  • TankioThank you
  • Tankio tumasThank you very much
  • PlisPlease
  • Sori / Sori tumasSorry / I'm really sorry
  • Mi glad blo luk yuI'm happy to see you
  • TataGoodbye
  • Lukim yuSee you later
  • Ale mi stap ko naoI'm leaving now

Useful travel phrases

  • Hotel e stap weya?Where is the hotel?
  • Hemia hamas?How much is this?
  • Mi nidim helpI need help
  • Bathroom e stap lo wea stret?Where are the toilets?
  • Yu save toktok English?Do you speak English?
  • Yu save tekem mifala e ko long (place name)?Can you take us to (place name)?
  • Mi save kakae hemia?Can I eat this?

Personal pronouns

  • Mi / YuMe / You
  • Hem / HemiaHim / Her / It
  • Mifala evriwanWe (all of us)
  • OlgetaThey / Them
  • YufalaYou (plural)

Numbers and time

  • Wan / Tu / TriOne / Two / Three
  • Dei / Sava / NaetDay / Evening / Night
  • Wanem time naya?What time is it?

How Bislama works

Bislama uses simple words and often groups objects under one term. For example:

All motorised vehicles are truks
All birds are pidjins
All marine creatures are fis

Possessive and associative relationships are expressed using the words blong and long:

blong
belonging to
Truk blong mi
My truck
long
from, to, in
Pikinini i go long skul
The child goes to school

Practical tips for speaking Bislama

Bislama is a phonetic language, meaning words are pronounced as they are written. For example, Halo is pronounced like "hah-loh". Generally, Ni-Vanuatu people appreciate when visitors make the effort to speak their language. A simple "Halo" is often enough to break the ice and start a conversation.

Struggling to understand? Don't hesitate to ask: "Yu save toktok English?" (Do you speak English?) The locals will be happy to help and encourage you to practise.

Discovering Bislama in Vanuatu

To get familiar with the language, visit the markets of Port Vila, where vendors often speak Bislama. You can also find books and dictionaries in souvenir shops. For a complete immersion, attend a local festival where traditional songs and dances highlight the language and culture of the Ni-Vanuatu people.

Don't hesitate to exchange a few words with locals during your walks. You'll be surprised how Bislama brings people closer and lets you experience a more authentic side of Vanuatu.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bislama grew from a Pacific pidgin used in trade, including the sea-cucumber or beche-de-mer trade that helped spread a simplified English around the islands. Over time it absorbed local words and became a creole in its own right. Today it is Vanuatu's lingua franca, allowing people from more than 100 language communities to understand one another.
Bislama is primarily based on English, with some French and Spanish influence and many local terms. Grammar is simpler than English, and words are largely phonetic. Visitors who speak English often recognise a lot of vocabulary, even if the rhythm and the words blong and long take a little practice.
Bislama is used everywhere people from different islands meet: markets, buses, shops, nakamals and government offices. Many Ni-Vanuatu also speak an island language at home, and English or French at school or work. In Port Vila you will hear all three official languages in a single conversation.
A few words go a long way. Halo, tankio or tankio tumas, plis, sori and tata are enough to greet, thank and say goodbye. Yu olraet means how are you, hemia hamas asks the price, and yu save toktok English is a polite way to check if someone can continue in English.