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Bislama for Beginners Trivia Quiz

This quiz is a brief introduction to Bislama, the national language of Vanuatu.

A multiple-choice quiz by nneighbour. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
nneighbour

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
290,231

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
209

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The verb "kilim" most commonly refers to what action in Bislama? Hint

To hit.

To kill.

To hunt.

To end.

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Question 2 of 10

2. How would you say 'I don't know' in Bislama? Hint

No comprende.

JIyajbe'.

Ou konprann.

Mi no save.

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Question 3 of 10

3. If someone were to say 'plen bambae i foldaon long wanem taem?', what are they asking? Hint

Where did the airplane crash?

When did you cut the bamboo?

Where is the bamboo grove?

When is the airplane due to land?

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Question 4 of 10

4. Which is a common pronunciation of blong? Hint

Blang

Blo

Bloong

Blan

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Question 5 of 10

5. What could you do at a "nakamal"? Hint

Go fishing.

Drink kava.

Sell vegetables.

Raise a family.

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Question 6 of 10

6. What word refers to food in Bislama? Hint

Tutbras.

Bigman.

Pleplei.

Kakae.

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Question 7 of 10

7. The name of the language itself, "Bislama", refers to what/who? Hint

An ancient kava ceremony.

Nicolas Bislamar.

A sea cucumber.

The northern region of Malekula island.

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Question 8 of 10

8. How would you say "it's too expensive"? Hint

Emi sas tumas.

Mekem se i nomo gat.

Ya ekispens.

Tri sisnek.

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Question 9 of 10

9. What English word translates to pikinini? Hint

Law.

Chicken.

Child.

Pickaxe.

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Question 10 of 10

10. Many Bislama words come from what two European languages? Hint

Dutch and French.

Spanish and Dutch.

English and Dutch.

English and French.

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The verb "kilim" most commonly refers to what action in Bislama?

Answer: To hit.

The verb to kill is most commonly translated as "kilim i ded".

2. How would you say 'I don't know' in Bislama?

Answer: Mi no save.

While Bislama dictionaries do exist there is still no standard spelling for many words.

3. If someone were to say 'plen bambae i foldaon long wanem taem?', what are they asking?

Answer: When is the airplane due to land?

The term bambae indicates the future, it may be interchanged with bae.

4. Which is a common pronunciation of blong?

Answer: Blo

Ex. Nem blong em Pita. (His name is Peter.)

5. What could you do at a "nakamal"?

Answer: Drink kava.

Long (in or at) is one of Bislama's most commonly used locatives. Ex. Pita i stap long nakamal (Peter is at the kava bar).

6. What word refers to food in Bislama?

Answer: Kakae.

There are over one hundred distinct languages spoken in Vanuatu, therefore communication between different regions can be difficult. While many people speak English or French, few speak both. Bislama acts as the bridge between the different linguistic groups in Vanuatu.

7. The name of the language itself, "Bislama", refers to what/who?

Answer: A sea cucumber.

Bislama comes from the French word, biche de mer (sea cucumber) which was harvested and dried in Vanuatu during mid-1800s. The language was developed as a means of communication between Europeans and the Ni-Vanuatu, and eventually between the different linguistic groups on the islands themselves.

8. How would you say "it's too expensive"?

Answer: Emi sas tumas.

Bislama contains fifteen pronouns, making reference to person, number, and inclusive versus exclusive.

9. What English word translates to pikinini?

Answer: Child.

As Bislama does not show a distinction between nouns in their singular and plural form, to indicate plurality, the word ol. Ex. Ol pikinini (Children).

10. Many Bislama words come from what two European languages?

Answer: English and French.

Vanuatu was previously known as the New Hebrides and was a condominium between the English and French until independence in 1980. Both English and French remain as official languages, as strong influences in Bislama.

Source: Author nneighbour

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
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