Fijian

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A language of Fiji

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

330,000 in Fiji (1996 census). 10,000 in Kadavu (1,500 Nabukelevu), 20,000 in Northeast Viti Levu. L2 users: 320,000 in Fiji (1991 UBS). Total users in all countries: 659,210 (as L1: 339,210; as L2: 320,000).

Location

Kabara, Kadavu, Komo, Lakeba, Moce, Namuka, Nayau, Ogea, Oneata, Vatoa, and Vulaga islands; Vanua Levu and offshore islands, east half of Viti Levu and eastern offshore islands.

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

Kadavu (Nabukelevu, Ono, Tavuki), Southeast Viti Levu (Lutu, Naimasimasi, Nandrau, Waidina), Bau (Bauan, Mbau), Northeast Viti Levu (Lovoni, Namena, Tokaimalo), Central Vanua Levu (Baaravi, Nabalebale, Savusavu, Seaqaaqaa), Northeast Vanua Levu (Dogotuki Saqani, Korolau, Labasa), Southeast Vanua Levu (Baumaa, Navatu-C, Naweni, Tunuloa), 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 Development
Newspapers. New media. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1864.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Fijian
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.

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