U3A Spring Seminar Series: Linguistics and Languages - Vanuatu languages

Speaker: Dr Eleanor Ridge

With around 140 Indigenous languages spoken by a population of about 325,000 people, Vanuatu has more languages per person than any other country in the world. The maintenance of these languages is supported by traditional patterns of multilingualism that prize languages for their role in the relationship between people and places. This picture is further complicated by Vanuatu’s history as a shared colony of Britain and France, and the creation of a new national language. Bislama is a pidgin-creole language with English vocabulary but Melanesian grammar and phonology.

Everyone Welcome.

When

DATES

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Where

LOCATION

Central Library

Mezzanine Floor

4 The Square, Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui 4410

What's on at Central Library

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Sat 11 Oct 10:30am - 12:30pm

Connecting the Genealogy Dots

Do you have a genealogy question you need help to answer? Members of the Palmerston North Branch of the NZSG will be available to help you find your way.

Sat 11 Oct 6:30pm - 8:15pm

The Promise / La Promesa (Film)

Venue: Central Library

Sun 12 Oct 6:00pm - 8:00pm

SOLD OUT!! An Evening with Nadia Lim SOLD OUT

Meet Nadia Lim and hear about her latest cookbook Nadia's Farm Kitchen.

Mon 13 Oct 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Our Story: MMC English Class Presentation

Manawatū Multicultural Council English Class students have been developing their own pieces of writing to share to a wider audience.

Mon 13 Oct 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Manawatū Writers' Hub

Join local writers for an evening of sharing and connection.

Tue 14 Oct 12:00pm - 12:30pm

Manu Hāpai Waiata Group

Learning Te Reo Māori through waiata.

Tue 14 Oct 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Operation Wrapped in Remembrance Crafting Group

Would you like to knit, weave or crochet for a veteran? In acknowledgment of 2025 being 80 years since the end of World War Two, 75 years since the beginning of the Korean War, 65 years since the end of the Malay Emergency and 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, we invite you to knit, weave or crochet a scarf for a veteran.

Wed 15 Oct 10:00am - 11:00am

Kōrero Kawhe

Do you need a place to practice speaking te reo Māori? Come along for a kawhe to build your kōrero skills in a relaxed environment.

Wed 15 Oct 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Reading Unleashed @ Central Library

Would your school age child like to read to one of our cute and friendly Canine Friends dogs? These dogs are super friendly, well behaved and have lovely handlers to help guide your child's session.