Celebrating Vanuatu Bislama Language Week 26 July – Aug 1, “Tokbaot klaemet jenis – Hemi tru samting mo yumi mas lukaotem gud laef” – Talk about climate change – it is real, and we must look after life.
As Aotearoa celebrates Vanuatu Bislama Language Week 26 July – Aug 1, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland student Ashley Kaukare hopes more people will discover the language, culture and values that have shaped his life.
The first-year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Communication student grew up in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, where Bislama was an everyday part of life.
“I grew up speaking Bislama, which is my first language,” says Ashley.
Now studying in Auckland, Ashley sees Vanuatu Language Week as an important opportunity to raise awareness of a nation that is still unfamiliar to many New Zealanders.
“I’m very excited to see how our culture and our language are spreading internationally,” he says. “Hopefully everyone can learn something from our culture.”
For Ashley, the growing recognition of Vanuatu Language Week is especially meaningful because Melanesian cultures are often less visible in New Zealand’s Pacific celebrations.
“When Bislama Language Week came last year, I was so happy,” he says. “I was there at Waikato when they celebrated it and I was happy to see it growing.”
One of the things Ashley values most about his heritage is the strong sense of identity that comes with being ni-Vanuatu.
“I’m proud of my language, my culture and my family,” he says. “I’m proud to be dark-skinned. I’m proud of being Melanesian.”
Family remains at the heart of Ashley’s world. The youngest of four siblings, he has two brothers studying in New Zealand and a sister studying in Australia. His older brother is completing a law degree at the University of Waikato, while his parents run a law firm in Port Vila.
But beyond immediate family, Ashley says community is central to Vanuatu culture.
“Islanders always need to stick together with families,” he says. “It can be your family, your church members, your community. We go everywhere together.”
Asked what that means in practice, Ashley smiles.
“Never alone.”
That spirit of togetherness extends to visitors as well. Ashley recalls inviting one of his teachers to visit Vanuatu, where his family immediately welcomed him with warmth and hospitality.
“When a visitor comes, we always show kindness,” he says. “We make sure they feel comfortable. That’s what my parents always do.”
Ashley believes this generosity is one of the defining characteristics of Vanuatu culture and one he is proud to share with others.
Living in New Zealand has also highlighted how little some people know about his homeland.
“Most people don’t know where Vanuatu is,” he says. “Sometimes I have to explain it using Fiji, New Caledonia or Australia.”
That is why he sees Bislama Language Week as an important celebration, not only for ni-Vanuatu communities but for everyone wanting to learn more about the Pacific.
As the week begins, Ashley has a simple message for those taking the opportunity to learn about Vanuatu and its language:
“Tangkyu tumas. God i stap wetem yu.”
“Thank you very much. May God be with you.”
Vanuatu Bislama Language Week
A few things to know about Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a country shaped by language, land, family and community. Here are some of the stories and traditions behind the nation Ashley Kaukare proudly calls home.
Land and nature
Vanuatu sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire
The islands are home to several active volcanoes, including Mount Yasur on Tanna Island.
The country is known for its blue holes
These freshwater pools are known for their striking blue water and are popular places for swimming.
Land is closely tied to identity
Most land is held under customary ownership, connecting families and communities closely to place.
One of the Pacific’s best-known wreck dives is here
The SS President Coolidge sank near Espiritu Santo during the Second World War and is now a major diving site.
Language and identity
More than 100 Indigenous languages are spoken
Vanuatu has one of the highest concentrations of languages in the world across its 80-plus islands.
Bislama connects the nation
Bislama is the national language and allows people from different islands and language communities to communicate with each other.
The name Vanuatu reflects its connection to land
The country’s name is associated with the idea of land or home standing permanently.
The boar’s tusk is a national symbol
The curved tusk shown on the national flag represents prosperity, cultural value and traditional wealth.
In Ashley’s words
“Never alone.”
Ashley Kaukare on family, church and community life in Vanuatu
History and everyday life
Vanuatu was once called the New Hebrides
Before independence in 1980, the islands were jointly governed by Britain and France.
The country has operated without traffic lights
Road traffic has traditionally been managed without them, although new traffic measures have been discussed as Port Vila grows.
String bands are part of island life
Guitars, ukuleles and homemade instruments create a distinctive sound heard across the islands.
Family and community
Hospitality is strongly valued
Visitors are often welcomed warmly and treated as part of the household and community.
Students often study with home in mind
Many ni-Vanuatu students travel overseas to gain skills they hope to use later for their families and communities.
Community remains an important source of wellbeing
Vanuatu is often recognised for the strength of its relationships, culture and connection to the natural environment.
Tangkyu tumas. God i stap wetem yu.
Thank you very much. May God be with you.
