Official Languages:
* French: The official language of New Caledonia, inherited from French colonialism. It is widely spoken in government, education, and commerce.
Indigenous Languages:
* Kanak Languages: A group of over 20 distinct languages spoken by the indigenous Kanak people. Some of the most prominent Kanak languages include:
* Drehu: Spoken on the Isle of Pines.
* Nengone: Spoken on the island of Maré.
* Paicî: Spoken on the island of Lifou.
* Xârâcùù: Spoken on the island of Grande Terre.
* Other Austronesian Languages:
* Wallisian: Spoken by a small community of people who are descendants of Wallis and Futuna.
* Tahitian: Spoken by a small community of people who are descendants of Tahiti.
Other Languages:
* English: While not official, English is understood by many people, particularly in tourist areas.
* Other immigrant languages: Due to immigration, you may find other languages spoken in New Caledonia, such as Vietnamese, Indonesian, or Chinese.
Important Note: Kanak languages are facing a challenge of language loss. While they remain important to cultural identity, French is often the primary language of younger generations. Efforts are underway to revitalize and preserve these indigenous tongues.