BY INDY MAEALASIA

With their native language at risk of disappearing, the Sikaiana community is looking at ways to revive and preserve it for future generations.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia and a respected elder, Robert Sisilo, acknowledged the seriousness of the challenge during a gathering at the Sikaiana cultural village at Red Beach on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

“That is a big challenge, nowadays most of us in the community only speak pidgin, if there are attempts to speak in the local language, most children no longer fully understand the language,” he said.

Sisilo stressed the importance of parents taking the lead at home by using the Sikaiana language with their children.

“Now we must look seriously at language preservation. Parents need to commit to speaking our vernacular at home if we want it to survive,” he said.

Meanwhile, Professor William Donner, an American anthropologist from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, who lived and worked on the Sikaiana Atoll from 1983 to 1993, praised the community’s cultural revival efforts.

“Even if they aren’t fluent in the language, many young people still know certain words and meanings. That’s a good start.

“It’s important to preserve what they know, and hopefully build from that,” said Donner.

During his time on the atoll, Donner with the help of elders compiled a Sikaiana dictionary, recorded oral histories, traditional songs, and documented customs.

“The older generation can still speak the language. Now it’s about finding ways to pass it on. Making these resources accessible is key,” he said.

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