What is the most common language in South Pacific?

It's impossible to say definitively which language is the "most common" in the South Pacific, as it depends on how you define "common":

* By number of speakers: English is the most common language in the South Pacific in terms of absolute number of speakers. This is primarily due to the influence of colonial history and its use in government, education, and business.

* By number of countries where it's spoken: English is also spoken in the most South Pacific countries.

* By native speakers: Papuan languages are the most numerous in the region, with over 1,200 different languages spoken. However, these languages are generally spoken by smaller populations within each country.

* By cultural influence: English is a dominant force in the South Pacific due to its use in media, education, and international relations.

So, the answer depends on your criteria. While English is the most commonly spoken language in terms of speakers and countries, there are many other languages spoken in the South Pacific, each with its own unique history and cultural significance.