Stabilization and expansion

After the First World War, Germany ceased to be the colonial power, and a complex arrangement was put in place, whereby the former German territory came under a UN mandate, while the southern part of the mainland, formerly British New Guinea, became the Australian external territory of Papua. In practice, the two were administered as a single entity by the Australian administration. In the territory of New Guinea, Tok Pisin continued to spread and expand, while in Papua, another lingua franca based on a local Austronesian language developed into the most widely used medium of communication. This was known as Police Motu, due to its use by the police in administration, and is today known by the name of Hiri Motu. The hiri was a seasonal trading expedition in the Gulf of Papua, and while a simplified trade language may have been used for this, it is likely that the pidginized Motu used today is a separate development.

At independence in 1975, the language issue was tackled by giving three languages, English, Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu, the status of “national languages”, a rather vague concept which fell short of conferring on any the status of an official language. Prince Charles’ speech in Tok Pisin to the newly independent parliament was a notable milestone, and although his intonation and stress patterns made it clear that he was not a speaker, and even suggested that he did not really understand everything he was reading, the gesture was widely appreciated. The designation of Hiri Motu as a national language was more controversial, and the decision was undoubtedly influenced by widespread secessionist sentiment in the Papuan provinces in the time leading up to independence. Few people see Hiri Motu as a truly national language, and its role has decreased as Tok Pisin gains more currency in what was formerly Papua, now known as the Southern Region of the country. English is the language of education and much written communication in government and administration, but it is Tok Pisin which is the de facto national language, being used in an increasing number of domains and expanding its range.