Cultural performers from Vanuatu at the 6th Melanesian Arts Festival in Solomon Islands. Photo: Today Solomons
There's a race against time to document indigenous creole languages in Melanesia before they evolve or die out.
That's according to the Australian National University Research Fellow, Kirsty Gillespie who is documenting Bislama which is a variety of Melanesian Pidgin, Tok Pisin in Papua New Guinea and Pijin in Solomon Islands.
The three languages aren't endangered but Dr Gillespie says over time there'll be fewer speakers.
She spoke with RNZ Pacific's Lydia Lewis about the work.
