Falkland Islands English

Falkland Islands English
Native toUnited Kingdom
RegionFalkland Islands
Ethnicity1,700 (2012 census)[1]
Early forms
Language codes
ISO 639-3
GlottologNone
IETFen-FK
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A "Camp" settlement.
Map of the Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands English is the dialect of the English language spoken in the Falkland Islands. Though it is mainly British in character, as a result of the remoteness of the islands, the small population has developed and retains its own accent and dialect, which persists despite many immigrants from the United Kingdom in recent years. In rural areas (i.e. anywhere outside Stanley), known as 'Camp' (from Spanish campo or 'countryside'),[2] the Falkland accent tends to be stronger. The dialect has resemblances to Australian, New Zealand, West Country and Norfolk dialects of English, as well as Lowland Scots.

Two notable Falkland Island terms are 'kelper' meaning a Falkland Islander, from the kelp surrounding the islands (sometimes used pejoratively in Argentina),[3] and 'smoko', for a smoking break (as in Australia and New Zealand).

The word 'yomp' was used by the British armed forces during the Falklands War but is passing out of usage.

In recent years, a substantial Saint Helenian population has arrived, mainly to do low-paid work, and they too have a distinct form of English.


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