Fijian

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A language of Fiji

ISO 639-3
fij
Alternate Names
Eastern Fijian, Fiji, Standard Fijian
Population

330,000 in Fiji (1996 census). 10,000 in Kadavu (1,500 Nabukelevu), 20,000 in Northeast Viti Levu. Population total all countries: 337,320.

Location

East half of Viti Levu and eastern offshore islands, Kadavu island, Vanua Levu and offshore islands, Nayau, Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka, Kabara, Vulaga, Ogea, and Vatoa islands. Also in Nauru, New Zealand, United States, Vanuatu.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational). Statutory language of national identity (2000, Constitution, Article 4(1)).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic, Central-Eastern Oceanic, Remote Oceanic, Central Pacific, East Fijian-Polynesian, East Fijian
Dialects

Bau (Bauan, Mbau), Central Vanua Levu (Baaravi, Nabalebale, Savusavu, Seaqaaqaa), Kadavu (Nabukelevu, Ono, Tavuki), Northeast Vanua Levu (Dogotuki Saqani, Korolau, Labasa), Northeast Viti Levu (Lovoni, Namena, Tokaimalo), Southeast Vanua Levu (Baumaa, Navatu-C, Naweni, Tunuloa), Southeast Viti Levu (Lutu, Naimasimasi, Nandrau, Waidina), West Vanua Levu (Bua, Navakasiga, Navatu-B, Soolevu). Southern Vanua Levu has several dialects similar to Bau dialect. On Northern Vanua, Levu, and adjacent islands people speak a somewhat related variety. Bau is very similar to standard Fijian, used as traditional lingua franca among Fijians.

Typology

VOS

Language Use

320,000 L2 users (1991 UBS).

Language Development
Newspapers. New media. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1864.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Fijian
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.