One of the languages I learned was a South Pacific pigeon called Bislama (native to the Vanuatu islands). Because the language developed with limited words in a context of broader ignorance and illiteracy, they don't have native or original words or even concepts, so that what we call "computer" would be known as something like "big-box-with-a-picture-thing-that-counts-up-numbers-really fast"
That would be the standard term. So, long words? you betcha.
Side note: The bislama word for "us" or "we" is yumi (you-me). I love that lingo. Seriously. They have a lot of heart.
Haven't been there for a decade. Communist China (PRC) has been steadily infiltrating and garnering influence over all the Pacific Island nations, with more success with some than others.
I worked in most areas of Oceania during the noughties (2000's) but I haven't kept up, so I don't really know the current status quo.
Gadzooks. I thought it was just me. /s
One of the languages I learned was a South Pacific pigeon called Bislama (native to the Vanuatu islands). Because the language developed with limited words in a context of broader ignorance and illiteracy, they don't have native or original words or even concepts, so that what we call "computer" would be known as something like "big-box-with-a-picture-thing-that-counts-up-numbers-really fast"
That would be the standard term. So, long words? you betcha.
Side note: The bislama word for "us" or "we" is yumi (you-me). I love that lingo. Seriously. They have a lot of heart.
That's a crazy place now, no? I believe it is Chinese influence.
Haven't been there for a decade. Communist China (PRC) has been steadily infiltrating and garnering influence over all the Pacific Island nations, with more success with some than others.
I worked in most areas of Oceania during the noughties (2000's) but I haven't kept up, so I don't really know the current status quo.