Languages of Fiji
| Languages of Fiji | |
|---|---|
| National | English, Fijian, Standard Hindi, Fiji Hindi |
| Indigenous | Fijian, Rotuman |
| Immigrant | Chinese, Fiji Hindi (mixture of Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Hindustani) |
| Foreign | Chinese, French, Russian |
Fiji has four primary national languages: English, Fijian (iTaukei), Standard Hindi (Hindustani), and Fiji Hindi. The former three were considered official languages in the 1997 constitution, but this status was not renewed in the 2013 constitution. The Fijian language is spoken as the first language by most indigenous Fijians who make up around 54% of the population.
Indo-Fijians make up 37% of the population and speak Fiji-Hindi. English was the sole official language until 1997 and is widely used in government, business, and education as a lingua franca. Considerable business is also done in Fijian, especially away from larger town centers.
A small number of other Indigenous West Fijian and East Fijian regional languages are spoken on the islands, standard Fijian belonging to the East Fijian group. Arabic and Urdu are spoken by Muslims. Chinese and Rotuman are also spoken by immigrant populations.