The Central App

Greetings to Bislama Language Week

The Central App

Anna Robb

13 November 2023, 5:00 PM

Greetings to Bislama Language Week Some of the faces of Ni-vanuatu people who live and work in Central. PHOTO: The Central App

Welkam! (Welcome) to the first ever Bislama language week, a new initiative which is running for two years as part of a trial.


The Central App has collaborated with some local horticulture businesses and employers of recognised seasonal employees (RSE) from Vanuatu to create some short video clips of common Bislama phrases.



We would love to hear people in Central giving it a go, so have a listen and let us know what you think by emailing [email protected]. We will play more across the week.


Clyde orchards Kris Robb and Cliff Takaro practice ‘Mi glad blo mitim yu’ (I’m pleased to meet you).


Clyde Orchards Kris and Fred demonstrate ‘olsem wanem?’ (how’s it going?).


RSE Navahli Lava reads a final note from the Ni-van crew to Central residents.


Bislama is a common language for people from Vanuatu (Ni-vans), where there are 113 distinct languages and many more dialects.


Bislama is phonetically English, it has a melanesian grammar, resulting in complex ideas being expressed as stories, which are often a great deal longer than if told in English.


Read more: Bislama language week brings connection.


Read more: Celebration of Cromwell multicultural mural.


VIDEO: Clyde Orchards and Viticultura.