English
Fijian Language Facts
| Fijian Phrasebase Discuss Discussion |
| Fijian Phrasebase Discuss Topics |
| Extinct: no |
| Family: Malayo-Polynesian |
| Branch: Melanesian |
| Continent: Australia |
| Country: Fiji |
| Region: Eastern half of Viti Levu and its eastern offshore islands, Kadavu Island, Vanua Levu and its offshore islands, Nayau, Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka, Kabara, Vulaga, Ogea, Vatoa islands as mother tongue; other areas of Fiji as second language. Also spoken in Nauru, New Zealand, Vanuatu. WESTERN: Fiji Islands, western half of Viti Levu, Waya Islands. |
| Countries Where Spoken: 330,441 in Fiji or 46.2% of the population (1996 census) including 10,000 in Kadavu (1,500 Nabukelevu), 20,000 in Northeast Viti Levu. 650,000 including second language users (1991 UBS). Population total all countries 350,000 or more. WESTERN: 57,000 including 38,500 in Waya (Waya and Ba-Navosa), 18,500 in Nadroga (1977 Lincoln). |
| Countries Where Official: Fiji |
| Native Speakers: 350,000 |
| Speakers Total: 350,000 |
| Phrasebase members who speak this language at a native level: 2 |
| Phrasebase members who speak this language at a conversational level: 2 |
| Phrasebase members primary language they are trying to learn: 4 |
| Phrasebase members secondary language they are trying to learn: 25 |
| Three Letter Code: FJI |
| Alternative Names: FIJI, STANDARD FIJIAN, EASTERN FIJIAN, NADROGA, NADRONGA, FIJI, NADROGA, NADRONGA |
| Dialects: |
| Summary: The southern part of Vanua Levu has several dialects similar to Bau. On the northern part of Vanua Levu and adjacent islands people speak a variety somewhat related to Bau. Bau is very similar to Standard Fijian, used as traditional lingua franca among Fijians. National language. Dictionary. Grammar. VOS. Newspapers, radio programs. Lumbermen; agriculturalists: taro, yams, breadfruit, bananas; sugar cane, molasses, copra, coconut oil; miners: gold, copper; fishermen. Christian, traditional religion. Bible 1864, in press (1997). |
Fijian Books |
Fijian Phrasebooks |
Fijian DVD's |
Fijian Videos |