About Tok Bislama
Vanuatu Language Guide
🌴 About This App
Tok Bislama is a free, mobile-friendly Vanuatu language guide built for travellers, expats, volunteers, and anyone curious about Vanuatu's national creole language. Whether you are planning your first visit to the archipelago or already living among the islands, this app gives you the tools to communicate respectfully and confidently in Bislama.
The app includes a real-time English-to-Bislama translator, a hand-curated phrasebook covering everyday categories from greetings and transport to emergencies and food, and a comprehensive dictionary of over 600 Bislama vocabulary entries sourced from official reference materials including the Peace Corps Vanuatu workbook and published Bislama lexicons.
Beyond language, Tok Bislama also serves as a cultural companion. It features island profiles for Efate, Espiritu Santo, Tanna, and more, along with cultural tips to help visitors understand kastom (traditional customs), kava ceremony etiquette, and the diversity of Vanuatu's 83+ islands and 100+ languages.
The app is built and maintained by a small team passionate about Pacific languages and responsible tourism. All translations are drawn from verified dictionary sources, with continuous improvements based on community feedback. Our mission is to make Bislama accessible to everyone — so that every visitor can say more than just "tangkyu tumas."
💬 What is Bislama?
Bislama is the national creole language of Vanuatu, spoken by over 200,000 people. It developed from English, French, and local Melanesian languages and is the primary language of communication between the 83+ islands of Vanuatu.
As a creole language, Bislama has a simplified grammar compared to English, making it relatively easy for English speakers to learn. Many words are derived from English but pronounced differently, for example "wanem" (what name = what) or "tangkyu" (thank you).
Bislama is one of three official languages of Vanuatu, alongside English and French. It serves as a lingua franca — a bridge language — between the country's diverse island communities, each of which has its own indigenous language.
📖 Key Grammar Rules
🌺 Cultural Tips for Visitors
Kastom
"Kastom" means traditional customs. Always respect local customs, especially in villages. Ask permission before entering a nakamal or attending ceremonies.
Kava
Kava is a traditional ceremonial drink made from the kava root. Try it at a nakamal (kava bar) in the evening — it's a central part of Vanuatu culture.
Nakamal
The nakamal is the traditional meeting place, also used as a kava bar. It's where community decisions are made and social bonds are formed.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in kastom villages. Some ceremonies may not allow photos at all.
Language
Most ni-Vanuatu speak their local language, Bislama, and either English or French. A few words in Bislama go a long way!
Currency & Tipping
The currency is Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Tipping is not customary in Vanuatu — good service is simply expected.
"Aelan"
"Aelan" means island in Bislama. Vanuatu has 83+ islands, each with its own unique language, culture and landscape.
Environment
Vanuatu is one of the world's most biodiverse nations. Be a responsible traveller — take rubbish with you and avoid damaging coral reefs.
Note: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Bislama has regional variations across Vanuatu's islands. Translations reflect standard Bislama usage. Where regional variation exists, the most widely understood form is used.
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Tok Bislama
Vanuatu Language Guide
"Yumi evriwan i wan" — We are all one