Vernacular language use in schools: Teachers’ perspectives on implementing the Vanuatu national language policy

Abstract

We report on a vernacular literacy education survey conducted in 2023 with teachers from three language communities in Vanuatu – Merei (Santo island), Rral and Vatlongos (both Ambrym island). We aimed for a broad understanding of how vernacular language is currently being used in schools, how many children speak the vernacular language, and what training or resources teachers require to teach the vernacular effectively. A version of this report was submitted to the Curriculum Development Unit in the Ministry of Education and Training in April 2024. We make several recommendations to strengthen the provision of vernacular language education throughout Vanuatu.