The region of the South Pacific is wide and diverse in many facets, with language being just one area of interest. Across this area, from the top of Australia through to Hawaii, there are many different South Pacific languages spoken across the different islands and countries.

At Spacifica Travel, we understand the importance of having at least a basic grasp of a language when you visit a new country. The language spoken by the locals in these South Pacific nations are filled with history, culture, and a rich sense of national identity. That’s why we wanted to create this handy guide to teach travellers the basics of some of the South Pacific’s most-used languages.

The Cook Islands

In the Cook Islands, the main language that is used is Cook Islands Maori. As its name suggests, this language is closely related to the Maori language spoken by the native people of New Zealand. Interestingly, despite being the native language of the Cook Islands, it only became an official language of the country since 2003. Before then, English was seen as the only official language since 1915.

Here are how to say some basic words in Cook Islands Maori:

• Hello – Kia Orana
• Thank You – Meitaki Maata
• Goodbye – Aere Mai
• Yes – Ae
• No – Kare

Tahiti

The national language of Tahiti is Tahitian, which is spoken primarily on the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Interestingly, Tahitian features only 5 vowels and 9 consonants, making it a good language to learn the basics for if you are visiting this beautiful area of the South Pacific.

Here are how to say some basic words in Tahitian:

• Hello – la Orana
• Thank You – Mauruuru
• Goodbye – Nana
• Yes – E
• No – Aita

Tonga

The national language of Tonga is Tongan, which is spoken by over 180,000 people worldwide. It’s part of the same subgroup of Austronesian languages that include Māori, Samoan, Hawaiian and Tahitian.

Here are how to say some basic words in Tongan:

• Hello – Malo e lei lei
• Thank You – Malo
• Goodbye – ‘Alu a
• Yes – lo
• No – ikai

Samoa

Samoan is the official language, alongside English, for both all of the Samoan Islands, comprising Samoa and the United States territory of American Samoa. Samoan is notable for having phonological differences between its formal and informal modes of speech. There is also a ceremonial form used in Samoan oratory.

Here are how to say some basic words in Samoan:

• Hello – Talofa
• Thank You – Fa’afetai
• Goodbye – Fa
• Yes – I
• No – Leai

Fiji

The Fijian language is the ethnic native language spoken in Fiji. Fijian is what is known as a verb-over-subject language. This means, that a phrase such as “Tom ate apples” in English would be translated as “Ate apples Tom” in Fijian. This type of language structure is rather common across the South Pacific.

Here are how to say some basic words in Fijian:

• Hello – Bula
• Thank You – Vinaka
• Goodbye – Moce
• Yes – lo
• No – Sega

Vanuatu

Bislama is one of the official languages of Vanuatu. The vast majority of Bislama words have English origin, whilst the remainder are taken from French and various other languages from Vanuatu. The myriad of influences on Bislama makes it one of the most unique languages in the South Pacific, and one that is great to learn if you plan to visit Vanuatu.

• Hello – Halo
• Thank You – Tangkyu tumas
• Goodbye – Tata
• Yes – Si or Yes
• No – No

Experience South Pacific Language with Spacifica Travel

There is so much to explore and experience in the South Pacific, that learning the local dialect is only the tip of the iceberg. To immerse yourself in a South Pacific holiday you’ll never forget, talk to the experts at Spacifca Travel. Contact us by calling us today on 1800 800 722!