Norfuk Language

Norfuk Language

Norfuk (increasingly spelt Norfolk) is the language spoken on Norfolk Island by the local residents. It is a blend of English of the 18th century and Tahitian originally introduced by settlers from the Pitcairn Islands who spoke Pitkern. It is the co-official language of Norfolk Island.

As travel to and from Norfolk Island becomes more common, Norfuk is falling into disuse. Efforts are being made, however, to restore the language to more common usage - with education of children, the publication of English–Norfuk dictionaries, use of the language in signage, and the renaming of some tourist attractions (most notably the rainforest walk "A Trip Ina Stik") to their Norfuk equivalents. In 2007, the United Nations added Norfuk to its list of endangered languages.