Pijin: A trilingual cultural
dictionary
Jourdan, Christine (in collaboration
with Ellen Maebiru)
Pl 526
Pijin is the youngest of
the languages of the Solomon Islands, yet it is the most important
in terms of number of speakers and the role it plays in the
life of the archipelago. It is known in all parts of the country,
and used widely everywhere for intergroup communication, particularly
in urban centres. But if Pijin is widely spoken, it is not
widely written. Despite the efforts of the Literacy Association
of the Solomon Islands (LASI) and the Solomon Islands Christian
Association (SICA) through the works of SITAG, the language
is not a popular medium of written communication. There are
many reasons for this situation: Pijin lacks institutional
support from government agencies and it lacks cultural legitimacy.
Moreover, schooling at advanced levels is done in English.
It is hoped that this dictionary will give a higher profile
to Pijin and will help bring about changes in people's attitude
towards this language. This cultural dictionary of Pijin is
aimed at three different publics: Solomon Islanders who wish
to write in Pijin and need to check the spelling of words;
visitors to the country who wish to learn Pijin or to know
more about it; and scholars who seek to obtain precise and
easily accessible linguistic information on the language.
Rich in examples, drawings, historical and ethnographic documentation,
the dictionary gives access to the Solomon Islands as well
as to Pijin. Each of the three intended audiences may refer
to the Pijin dictionary to obtain information on the history
of the language, its cultural anchorage, the history, customary
ways and geography of the archipelago, and aspects of flora,
fauna and food.
2002
ISBN 0 85883 446 4
xxiv + 403 pp
Prices: Australia A$88.00 (inc. GST), Overseas
A$80.00
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