Solomon Islanders in New Zealand invite Kiwis to celebrate and protect the language

The Solomon Islands community in Aotearoa is calling on New Zealanders to help protect and celebrate their language.

From 23–29 November, Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week celebrates the vibrant language and culture of the Solomon Islands in Aotearoa.

Community leaders say it’s a chance to keep Pijin alive and share the pride of Solomon Islands' identity.

Now in only its second year as an official language week, the celebration focuses on the theme “Protektim langguis an kalsa blong yumi – Protect our language and culture.”

Community leaders say the theme is a reminder that Pijin needs active support to stay strong for the next generation.

Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, Secretary for Pacific Peoples, says this week is about language, pride, identity, and resilience.

“I’m excited that we are celebrating the unique Solomon Islands Pidgin language,” she says in a statement.

“Solomon Islands is home to more than 70 languages, but Pijin is what connects us.

"When we make even small attempts to use Pijin, through a greeting, a song, or a conversation, we help keep the language visible and valued. This week is an invitation to start where you are.”

Earlier this month, children in MAPESA Community School in Honiara received story books handed over to them by Florence Curr, wife of NZ's High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands. Photo/Facebook/M&P LearningHub

The Solomon Islands is located about 2000km northeast of New Zealand. It has a population of around 750,000 people, spread across its nine provinces.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Solomon Islands community is smaller but growing, with an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people of Solomon Islands heritage living mainly in Auckland and Wellington.

Despite the distance, the community has kept its culture and language alive, with events like Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week helping connect the diaspora to their roots.

Liana Sabetian, a youth advocate from the Solomon Islands Auckland Wantok Association, says speaking Pijin helps her stay grounded in who she is.

“Using Pijin every day reminds me of where I come from,” she says in a statement. “It shapes how I see the world.”

Watch Trixy Teikaiho Ibnul, PMN Solomon Islands' producer, talk about the importance of Solomon Islands Pidgin Language week below.

Sabetian says Pijin’s expressiveness is part of what makes it special. She shared a favourite word, barava, meaning “very,” which can be stretched out to change its feeling: “baaaaaarava.”

“It shows how fun and expressive our language can be,” Sabetian says. She also highlighted the richness of Solomon Islands' culture across the country’s nine provinces.

“We are diverse in traditions, language and nature. But one thing we all share is that Solomon Islanders are humble, hospitable and kind.”

Organisers say the week is a chance for people across Aotearoa to learn a few words, join an event, or listen to stories from the community.

More information, resources, and updates are available on the Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week webpage and the NZ Solomon Islands Language Week Facebook page.