What language is spoken in New Caledonia?
Quick answer
French is the official language of New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, and almost everyone speaks it. The islands are also home to about 28 Kanak languages, spoken by the Indigenous Kanak people, such as Drehu, Nengone, Paicî and Ajië.
Key facts
- Official language
- French
- Indigenous languages
- About 28 Kanak languages
- Capital
- Nouméa
- Currency
- CFP franc
New Caledonia lies about 1,200 km (750 miles) east of Australia. France took control in 1853, and the territory has a special status within the French Republic with its own government and wide powers over local affairs.
The main languages
| Language | Who speaks it |
|---|---|
| French | Official language, used in schools, government and business; spoken by nearly everyone |
| Kanak languages | Indigenous Melanesian languages, each tied to a particular region or island |
| Others | Wallisian (from Wallis and Futuna), Tahitian, Vietnamese and Indonesian Javanese in some communities |
The most widely spoken Kanak language is Drehu, from the island of Lifou. Several Kanak languages are taught in schools and studied at the University of New Caledonia, and an Academy of Kanak Languages works to preserve them.
Why French dominates
As in many former colonies, French spread through schools and administration, while Indigenous languages were discouraged for much of the 20th century. Today there are efforts to protect them, but some have only a few hundred speakers.
A territory debating its future
Questions of identity, including language, are linked to debates over independence. Residents voted to remain part of France in referendums in 2018, 2020 and 2021, though the last was boycotted by many independence supporters, and talks over the territory’s future have continued since.
Tips for visitors
English is spoken in tourist areas of Nouméa, but less elsewhere, so a few French phrases help. New Caledonia is 11 hours ahead of UTC, close to the time in eastern Australia.
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