Pitcairn-Norfolk

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A language of Norfolk Island

ISO 639-3
pih
Alternate Names
Norfolkese, Pitcairn English
Population

400 in Norfolk Island (2008 G. Evans). Population total all countries: 502.

Location

Norfolk Island. Also in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Pitcairn.

Language Status

6a (Vigorous). Statutory language of national identity (2004, Norfolk Island Language (Norf’k) Act No. 25, Section 4), restrictions in Sec. 5 of Act No. 25 of 2004 bar meaningful official use.

Classification
Creole, English based, Pacific
Dialects

Norfolk English.

Language Use

Valued for identity preservation. It is in a diglossic relationship with standard British English [eng] (2007). Also use standard British English [eng].

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Pitcairn-Norfolk
Other Comments

Developed from mutineers who settled on Pitcairn in 1790. All were removed to Norfolk in 1859, after which a few returned. Some descendants of Pitcairn Islanders now in Australia and New Zealand.

Also spoken in:

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