Comments on: Reader Challenge: Puzzling Out Bislama

By: Stephen Greene

Stephen Greene — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:07:24 +0000

A great post! I was wondering what the official reaction is to this wonderful language. Is it promoted in schools? Is it frowned upon by the elites? Is it just left to do as it pleases?

By: Roketto

Roketto — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 05:31:14 +0000

Yeeeesh. This is like the precursor for Internet-speak & l33t, only much more depressing in origin.

By: Greg

Greg — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 02:26:55 +0000

I Stret Nomo mean it’s okay

By: BornOfOsiris

BornOfOsiris — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:59:00 +0000

Oh c’mon! His shirt says “no homo.”

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:42:44 +0000

The pronunciation of beer reminds me of what I’ve been told is an Australian accent. Never been, can’t prove it.

By: Anne

Anne — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:05:00 +0000

It helps to pronounce the words with a Jamaican/Rasta accent.

By: PJ

PJ — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:02:00 +0000

Simply a wonderful post. I love linguistics, so this is right up my alley. Now I want to go to Vanuatu! (Damn, shouldn’t have had that second kid…)

By: KIttymama

KIttymama — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:02:00 +0000

7. Don’t turn your back on HIV/AIDS.

Whew. I was afraid that one was describing an unsafe sexual behavior. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. And I’m glad I know what “wan” means now.

By: DB

DB — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Does the T-shirt say “One Way Street?”

Do more language posts, please!

(I’m having posting troulbe, so if this appears more than once, I apologize.)

By: Ransom Riggs

Ransom Riggs — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:28:00 +0000

OK, here are the “answers” … rough translations, mind you!

1. Please close door slowly.

2. I got fresh kava for sale, 400 Vatu per Kilogram.

3. No smoking / Tobacco reduces physical fitness

4. Don’t forget the name of HIV/AIDS. Talk about it everywhere you go.

5. Only pick quality coffee.

6. Respect women and children. Stop domestic violence in Vanuatu.

7. See the new picture w/ English translation above.

8. Doug’s shirt is a popular bit of slang that means, “it’s cool, I’m OK!” Stret means “correct,” so the literal translation is a bit funky: “I’m only alright,” but you get the idea.