Language/Fijian/Vocabulary/Education
Hi Fijian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will delve into the vocabulary related to education. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently talk about school-related topics in Fijian.
Take some time to dive into these other pages after completing this lesson: Clothes & Food.
Educational System in Fiji[edit | edit source]
Before we start with the vocabulary, let's take a quick look at the educational system in Fiji.
The education system in Fiji follows the British model, with primary education lasting 6 years and secondary education lasting 5 years. After secondary school, students have the option to attend vocational or technical schools, or continue on to university. Fijian is a mandatory subject in primary and secondary schools, so learning the language is crucial for successful education in Fiji.
Fijian Vocabulary for Education[edit | edit source]
Now, let's get down to the vocabulary.
Basic Education[edit | edit source]
Basic education is a crucial component of the educational system. Below is a list of common words used in basic education:
| Fijian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| sala vata | /sa.la 'va.ta/ | school |
| vakatavulici | /va.ka.ta.vu.li.thi/ | to teach |
| tisa | /ti.sa/ | teacher |
| tisa vaka-tutu | /ti.sa va.ka 'tu.tu/ | kindergarten teacher |
| tisa vaka-sere-ni-sere | /ti.sa va.ka ʃe.re ni 'ʃe.re/ | music teacher |
| vou | /vo.u/ | new |
| bilibili | /bi.li.bi.li/ | book |
| gone | /go.ne/ | child |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Sa dina yani ko sa baci tiko kina na sala vata? (Are you really going to school?)
- Person 2: Io, au sa lako ki na sala vata vou. (Yes, I'm going to a new school.)
Secondary Education[edit | edit source]
Secondary education is a continuation of basic education and is essential for further studies. Below is a list of words related to secondary education:
| Fijian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| i vakatotolo | /i va.ka.to.to.lo/ | high school |
| tisa vaka-matua | /ti.sa va.ka 'ma.tua/ | principal |
| diploma | /di.ploma/ | diploma |
| vakavinavinaka | /va.ka.vi.na.vi.na.ka/ | to congratulate |
| valenibula | /va.le.ni.bu.la/ | exam |
| matanitu vakaviti | /ma.ta.'ni.tu va.ka.'vi.ti/ | Fiji School Leaving Certificate(FSLC) |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Sa yaco beka ko sa vakavuna na eksami ko sa kua ni wine? (Did you pass the exam yet?)
- Person 2: Io, sa tiko ga tu na rauta ni matanitu vakaviti. (Yes, I'm still waiting for the Fiji School Leaving Certificate result.)
Tertiary Education[edit | edit source]
After secondary school, students can choose to attend tertiary education which includes vocational schools, technical institutes, and universities. Below is a list of words related to tertiary education:
| Fijian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| vakatorocaketaki | /va.ka.to.ro.ca.ke.ta.ki/ | to graduate |
| matanitu vou | /ma.ta.'ni.tu vo.u/ | university |
| tisa vaka-yalomatua | /ti.sa va.ka 'ja.lo.mo.tua/ | dean |
| vakayacori | /va.ka.ja.tho.ri/ | to study |
| sao | /sa.o/ | subject |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Sa kerekere beka mai ni kua ni vala'ici ka lako sara qo mai uni? (Can you please help me choose and apply for University?)
- Person 2: Voleka mai, au na qai vakavulici iko e dua na tisa vaka-yalomatua. (Sure, I will introduce you to a dean.)
Cultural Information[edit | edit source]
Learning about the culture and customs of a language is just as important as learning the vocabulary. Here are some interesting facts about education in Fiji:
- Education is free for all Fijian citizens up to the age of 18. - Primary and secondary schools have a uniform policy and are mandatory for all students. - The role of the teacher in Fijian culture is respected and held in high regard. - Fijian students are known to have a strong work ethic and are often successful in their studies. - The most commonly spoken language in Fiji is Fijian, and speaking the language is a necessary component for students to succeed in their studies.
Remember that immersing yourself in the language and culture is key to learning any language. To improve your Fijian Find native speakers and ask them any questions. Don't forget to check the Vocabulary page for more words to add to your Fijian vocabulary bank.
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]