Port Moresby - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is generally understood by most people who have contact with expats. Tok Pisin, a widely-used pidgin language, is good to learn for the basic respect of greeting locals. That being said, there are well over 850 languages spoken on the island and many elders speak at least 4 languages (their mother’s clan’s language; their father’s clan’s language, Tok Pisin and English). Wings Education provides excellent training consultants for Tok Pisin and cultural education. The embassy organized one language course early in 2025 and it was well received. Others have hired local language tutors for private lessons. All students at TEMIS international school receive Tok Pisin and cultural studies weekly. - Aug 2025
It was easy to manage with English. - May 2019
English is fine, although most locals speak Tok Pisin. - Jun 2016
English is widely spoken, although your house help may have limited English. - Jun 2008
