Language
The native inhabitants of Araki Island speak a unique language, called Araki after the island. The language is growing extinct, as a result of contact of its speakers with neighbouring languages. Today, there are about 5 native speakers of Araki language.
At encounters on the mainland, Arakians are exposed to languages other than their own - especially to Tangoa language and to the pidgin Bislama. The influence of Tangoa language is increased through inter-island marriages and through missionary and church influence, as church services are usually carried out in Bislama or Tangoa, and only occasionally in Araki language.
The public school system is also another cause for the decreasing use of Araki language. First, because secondary school is officially held in French or English. Second, because the teachers usually come from different places of Vanuatu, and therefore speak Bislama. Third, because Araki Island only has a kindergarten and a primary school, in such a way that children are forced to continue their schooling on the mainland.
Read more about this topic: Araki Island
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