Language
The official languages of Bora Bora include French and Tahitian. French is used mainly in schools and business, however the Tahitian language is still preferred by many local islanders. English is also spoken in popular tourist destinations and major resorts. But in some areas, English isn’t well understood, so it is essential to know and understand basic French and Tahitian words.
Tahitian:
Hello = la Ora na (yo-rah-nah) Goodbye = Nana (nah-nah) Yes = E (ay) No = Aita (eye-tah) Thankyou = Maeva (mah-ay-va) How are you = Maita'i oe? (may-tay-oh-ay) I am fine = Maita'i roa? (may-tay-roh-ah) |
French:
Hello = Bonjour (bon-joor) Goodbye = Au revoir (oh-ruh-vwar) Yes = Oui (wee) No = Non (nohn) Please = S'il vous plait (si vu play) Thankyou = Merci (mer-see) I'm sorry = Pardon (pahr-don) |
History of the Language
The Tahitian language was indigenous to the native Polynesians of Tahiti. The missionaries chose the language of Tahiti as the main one for their work because Tahiti was the largest island with the most inhabitants. They trained native pastors who travelled out across the islands to spread Christianity and the Gospels in Tahitian. Over time, the Tahitian language became the most spoken language of the island and replaced other local languages and dialects. Nowadays, Tahitian is spoken on approximately 100 islands throughout French Polynesia.
The Tahitian language was indigenous to the native Polynesians of Tahiti. The missionaries chose the language of Tahiti as the main one for their work because Tahiti was the largest island with the most inhabitants. They trained native pastors who travelled out across the islands to spread Christianity and the Gospels in Tahitian. Over time, the Tahitian language became the most spoken language of the island and replaced other local languages and dialects. Nowadays, Tahitian is spoken on approximately 100 islands throughout French Polynesia.