Alternate Names: Eastern Fijian, Fiji, Standard Fijian
Dialects: Bau (Bauan, Mbau), Central Vanua Levu (Baaravi, Nabalebale, Savusavu, Seaqaaqaa), Kadavu (Nabukelevu, Ono, Tavuki), Northeast Vanua Levu (Dogotuki Saqani, Korolau, Labasa), Northeast Viti Levu (Lovoni, Namena, Tokaimalo), Southeast Vanua Levu (Baumaa, Navatu-C, Naweni, Tunuloa), Southeast Viti Levu (Lutu, Naimasimasi, Nandrau, Waidina), West Vanua Levu (Bua, Navakasiga, Navatu-B, Soolevu). Southern Vanua Levu has several dialects similar to Bau dialect. On Northern Vanua, Levu, and adjacent islands people speak a somewhat related variety. Bau is very similar to standard Fijian, used as traditional lingua franca among Fijians.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 330,000 in Fiji (1996 census). 10,000 in Kadavu (1,500 Nabukelevu), 20,000 in Northeast Viti Levu. Population total all countries: 337,320. L2 users: 320,000 in Fiji (1991 UBS).
Language Development: Newspapers. New media. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1864.
Typology: VOS.
Spoken In: Fiji
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Fiji
Other Comments: Christian, traditional religion.