There are 3 official languages in Vanuatu : le bichelamar (or bislama) ,l’anglais et le français.
The name Bislama evolves directly from the French term bêche-de-mer meaning sea cucumber.

When you are having lunch with a friend today, you may want to use the above.

However, if you would like to know more about the evolution of this language – 95% based on English but with some French-derived words as well, then there is a lecture at the University of Waikato Tauranga Campus on Monday 27^th July.  It is free but you need to register.

Vanuatu Bislama Language Week

When :  Monday July 27th
Where: University of Waikato, Tauranga Campus
Cost : Free but  REGISTER HERE:

Time : Refreshments from 5pm, Lecture starts 5.30pm.

A case study in language ingenuity.

With over 130 indigenous languages spoken across its 83 islands, is Vanuatu the most linguistically diverse nation in the world. Born from contact with European and other Pacific languages, Bislama is now one of Vanuatu’s official languages. To celebrate Vanuatu Bislama Language Week, this presentation will explore the history of one of the youngest languages in the world and the ways it is similar, and different to the languages that played a part in its development.

Presented by Dr Royce Dodd.

You may find out what these words mean: