Fijianlanguage

Fijian, also known as iTaukei, is an Austronesian language spoken by the indigenous Fijian people. It is the official language of Fiji and is spoken by approximately half a million people as a first language. There are several dialects of Fijian, with the Bauan dialect being the most widely understood and used as the basis for Standard Fijian. The language belongs to the Oceanic branch of the Austronesian language family, placing it in close relation to other Polynesian and Micronesian languages.

Fijian grammar is characterized by its verb-initial sentence structure, though variations exist. It utilizes prefixes and suffixes to modify verbs and nouns, indicating tense, aspect, and plurality. The language has a rich vocabulary that reflects the culture and environment of Fiji, with many words relating to the sea, fishing, and traditional customs. Loanwords from English are also present, particularly in modern usage. Written Fijian uses the Latin alphabet, and its orthography is largely phonetic. Fijian is an important aspect of Fijian identity and cultural heritage.