Fijian (Na vosa vaka-Viti) is an Austronesian language and one of the official languages of Fiji, spoken by approximately 350,000 people as a first language. It serves as the primary language of the indigenous iTaukei (ethnic Fijian) population and is the most widely spoken indigenous language in the South Pacific island nation.
In Australia, Fijian speakers number approximately 15,000 according to the 2021 Census. Fijian migration to Australia has grown through skilled migration, family reunion, and Pacific labour mobility programs. Communities are concentrated in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and regional areas. The community includes both indigenous iTaukei Fijians and some Indo-Fijians who speak Fijian as a second language.
Fijian is written in the Latin alphabet with distinctive orthographic conventions — notably, the letter 'b' represents a prenasalised /mb/ sound, 'd' represents /nd/, 'g' represents /ŋ/ (as in 'sing'), and 'c' represents /ð/ (as in 'the'). These conventions can confuse readers unfamiliar with Fijian orthography and must be maintained correctly in all written content.
Fijian culture centres on communal values, chiefly authority, and the concept of kerekere (reciprocal sharing). Church and community structures are central to Fijian-Australian life, with Methodist, Catholic, and other Christian denominations serving as community anchors. Rugby is a significant cultural touchpoint connecting the community.
For organisations, Fijian serves a growing Pacific Islander community. Healthcare, employment services, and community engagement benefit from Fijian-language provision, particularly for newer arrivals and older community members.