Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week will be celebrated across Aotearoa New Zealand from Sunday 23 November until Saturday 29 November.
Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week will be celebrated across Aotearoa New Zealand from Sunday 23 November until Saturday 29 November.
The community’s chosen theme for this year’s language week – "Protektim langguis an kalsa blong yumi - Protect our language and culture" – is a call to safeguard Pijin and keep it strong for the next generation.
Only in its second year as an official language week in Aotearoa New Zealand, the celebration highlights pride in Solomon Islands identity and the importance of keeping Pijin visible and alive.
Secretary for Pacific Peoples, Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, says the week is a chance to recognise the pride and resilience of Solomon Islands communities and culture in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“For the final Pacific Language Week of the year, I’m excited that we are celebrating the unique Solomon Islands Pidgin language,” says Gerardine.
“While the Solomon Islands is made up of many cultures, with more than 70 indigenous languages and dialects, Solomon Islands Pidgin is the most common language spoken among Solomon Islanders.
“Solomon Aelan Pijin Langguis Wik is a great opportunity to learn more about this language. When we make small attempts to use Pijin, whether in a greeting, a conversation, or through music and stories, we help keep the language visible and valued. This week is an invitation to start where you are,” says Gerardine.
Liana Sabetian from Solomon Islands Auckland Wantok Association Incorporated (SIAWA) youth, says being a Solomon Islander has shaped her identity and how she navigates the world.
“Speaking and using Pijin every day is very important to me because it’s a reminder of where I came from,” says Liana.
She also shares a favourite word – “barava". “It means ‘very’, but the way you say it changes the feeling. If something is really sweet, you might stretch it out - ‘baaaaaarava’. It shows how expressive and fun our language can be.”
She is proud of the diversity across the nine provinces of the Solomon Islands, saying “we are diverse in culture, traditions, language, nature, and so much more.
"But one thing that is shared across all Solomon Islanders is that we are humble, hospitable and kind,” adds Liana.
Visit the Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week webpage and follow the NZ Solomon Islands Language Week Facebook page for events, language resources, and stories from the community.