The people of Nauru, a small island nation in Micronesia, have a unique linguistic heritage rooted in the history and culture of the Pacific Islands. In this blog post, we will delve into the languages spoken by the Nauruan people, exploring both their native language and the impact of outside influences on their linguistic landscape.
The Native Language: Nauruan
Nauruan, also known as Nauru, is the indigenous language spoken by the majority of the island's population. This
Austronesian language is considered unique among Micronesian languages due to its classification as an "isolating" language, meaning it uses fewer inflections or word forms. Nauruan is the primary language spoken in homes, family gatherings, and casual conversations.
Nauruan features 16 consonants and six basic vowels, with a limited number of diphthongs. It has an SVO (subject-verb-object) word order and uses
reduplication to express intensifiers or plurals. For example, the word "akewa" (flower) can become "akewakewa" (flowers) through reduplication. While the Nauruan language is spoken by roughly 6,000 people on the island today, it is considered vulnerable due to factors such as urbanization, globalization, and the influence of other languages.
English: A Widespread Lingua Franca
English is widely spoken on Nauru as a result of the island's historical interactions with the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In 1968, the British-administered trust territory gained independence, and English emerged as an official language alongside Nauruan. Today, English is the predominant language used in education, government, business, and the media.
The presence of English in Nauru has also led to its incorporation into the Nauruan lexicon. Many Nauruan speakers code-switch between Nauruan and English or use loanwords from English in their everyday speech. While Nauruan remains the dominant language within the community, the ubiquity of English as a
global language has facilitated communication between Nauruans and the rest of the world.
Preserving the Nauruan Language
Recognizing the importance of preserving and revitalizing their native language, the government of Nauru, various organizations, and members of the community have initiated efforts to promote Nauruan language and culture. Nauruan language classes are offered at schools and through special programs, aiming to keep the language alive for future generations.
In conclusion, while Nauruans primarily speak their native Nauruan language, the influence of English as a lingua franca has created a unique linguistic landscape in the small island nation. As efforts to preserve and support the Nauruan language continue, the people of Nauru demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of their cultural heritage.