Norfolk Island Language

Norfolk Island boasts many unique attributes – endemic species of flora and fauna; buildings and artefacts dating back to the earliest colonial times in Australia; and spectacular and pristine scenery – and it also has its own language, Norf’k. 

The Norf’k Language has been recognized by UNESCO and has attracted linguists and academics who have studied and recorded it for decades.  It was born out of the necessity to communicate when the ‘Bounty’ mutineers, themselves from villages all over the British Isles and their Polynesian companions when they settled on Pitcairn Island following the mutiny.  ‘Watawieh yorley?’, (pronounced ‘wutuwear’) is the Norfuk greeting.  It means ‘Hello, how are all of you?’ and comes from the eighteenth century regional English of the mutineers. 


Photo courtesy of Meltwater

On the other hand, the adjective, ‘waawahaa’ which means ‘stuck up’ or ‘arrogant’, comes from the eighteenth century Tahitian spoken by some of the women.  In April,  Norfolk Island is hosting the Vets Tennis International (3-10 April); the Autumn Ukulele Festival (8-17) and the Music and Theatre Holiday School (17-23) – all perfect opportunities to pick up a smattering of this wonderful living history artefact, the Norf’k Language. 

And while you are at it, have a giggle reading the local telephone book which is light on addresses but makes up for it by listing everyone’s nicknames!  So why not practice your ‘Watawieh!’ in case you meet Lettuce Leaf or Bear and you want to say hello!