About 130 people packed into Earnscleugh Hall, near Alexandra, to celebrate with music, food, speeches and a rousing rendition of the national anthem — Yumi, Yumi Yumi (We, We, We).
This is the second time a pilot language week has been held for Bislama — one of Vanuatu’s national languages.
Ni-Vanuatu leader Ron Moses said he was very happy to see so many people gather to celebrate.
Vanuatu had about 80 islands with about 113 indigenous languages.
Bislama was a common, unifying language, he said.
"Without Bislama, we wouldn’t have our independence," he said.
He hoped the government would continue to support the language through measures like the language week.
Mr Moses said he would like to see more orchard operators embrace the language which would build a strong connection between them and Ni-Van workers.
Vanuatu gained independence from the United Kingdom and France on July 30, 1980.
