Vosa Vaka-Viti
Native Speakers: 339,210; L2 Speakers: 320,000
Fiji
Official: Fiji
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian
Fijian is an Austronesian language with a verb–subject–object (VSO) word order and a phonemic vowel length distinction. It features prenasalized stops (e.g., b = [mb], d = [nd], q = [ŋg]) and unique orthographic conventions, such as c representing the voiced dental fricative [ð]. Pronouns are highly complex, distinguishing number (singular, dual, paucal, plural) and inclusivity (inclusive vs. exclusive we). Possession is grammatically marked based on the type of relationship, such as alienable vs. inalienable. Reduplication is used for emphasis, aspect, or plurality, and the language includes a nuanced system of demonstratives based on distance and visibility
The Fijian language comprises several dialects, reflecting the country’s diverse island geography and ethnic makeup. The standard form, known as Bauan Fijian, is based on the speech of Bau Island and serves as the official and most widely taught variety. However, numerous regional dialects exist across Fiji’s islands, often differing in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Dialects from areas such as Vanua Levu, Nadroga, and Naitasiri may vary significantly from Bauan, making mutual intelligibility challenging in some cases. These dialects are typically used in local settings, while Bauan Fijian remains the lingua franca in formal education, media, and government.
Latin-based script
In the U.S., the Fijian language is primarily spoken within immigrant communities from Fiji, with the largest concentrations found in California, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and parts of Southern California. Smaller Fijian-speaking communities also exist in states like Washington, Oregon, Texas, and Hawaii. These communities often maintain their linguistic and cultural heritage through religious gatherings, community events, and family use at home. While English is commonly spoken alongside Fijian, efforts to preserve the language include cultural programs, church services in Fijian, and community language classes for younger generations.
At Latitude Prime, we offer Fijian translation, Fijian interpretation, and Fijian localization services in numerous specialized subject areas and multiple dialects. Whether you need to translate legal documents from Fijian into English for an asylum hearing or visa processing, need a Fijian interpreter for a business meeting in Suva, or want to localize your website into Fijian to market your products or services in Fiji, Latitude Prime has the customized language solution to meet all your Fijian language needs.
