Linguistic Situation and Historical background GIBRALTAR & GUAM Linguistic Situation and Historical background

GIBRALTAR – The Peninsula

Identification and Location Gibraltar is a tiny British territory of 6.5 square kilometers located at the southern tip of Europe. The territory consists mainly of rock and it is the last remaining colony in Europe. Gibraltar has been British since 1713, according to the Treaty of Utrecht. (1)

Demography & Linguistic Affiliation 30.000 inhabitants 25.000 have the status of British Gibraltarians 2.000 are other British citizens (mainly military) 2.000 are Moroccan workers (There are also some Indian and Pakistani workers and about 100 Russian citizens). The official language is English. But, Gibraltarians also speak Llanito (or Yanito)…

Llanito An Andalusian-based creole language with many English, Italian, Hebrew, and Maltese words. (Also arabic, and french) Is a curious mix of several languages that reflect their ethnical identity. MOSTLY (most strongly) A mix of English/Spanish Hybrid, more developed. Exists since at least the early 1700’s. More a language than a dialect. Although they accept their British-ness, Llanito language has its prestige too. It identifies them as a community. (2)

Linguistic Facts Therefore, a big percentage English is used by the Government and in schools. Most locals are bilingual, also speaking Spanish, due to Gibraltar's proximity to Spain. Most Gibraltarians converse in  Llanito, their native language. Therefore, a big percentage of the youngest generation tends to speak mostly or only English nowadays. (3)

Other Facts The Rock of Gibraltar, (430 meters tall) is a natural monument, a symbol of independence and fortitude. Although they are British, the country geographically closest to Gibraltar is Spain. (‘La Línea de la Concepción’ is the Spain border with Gibraltar). (4)

GUAM - The Pacific Island

Global Map

General Info & Location Is a unique melting of several cultures including Chamorro (native people), Asian, Micronesian and Western influences. Situated at the southern end of the Mariana Island chain in the Pacific Ocean, as part of Oceania. (1500 km north to the equator). Since Guam is a US Territory and is west of the International Date Line, they use the motto “Where America’s Day Begins”

Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are separate territories of the United States in the same island chain, but they are considered part of the Micronesia island region.

Guam Facts Official Languages - English and Chamorro According to a 2010 estimate, the population of Guam is - 180,000 Ethnicity - 39% Chamorro (indigenous people) , 26.3% Filipino, 11.3% Pacific, 6.9% white, 6.3% other Asian, 2.3% other, 9.8% Mixed Official Languages - English and Chamorro Capitol City - Hagatna (Agana)

Historical Background

500 A.D. Chamorro people, of Malay origin, migrated to Guam. 1500s Controlled by Spain until 1889. 1668 Jesuit priests began a missionary effort on Guam. 1740 Chamorros of the northern islands were forced to remove to Guam. 1815 Scientists, voyagers, and whalers from Russia, France, and England came to Guam.

1898 Spain ceded Guam, the southernmost of the Mariana Islands to the USA.  1899 The U.S. Navy administered Guam and it experienced many economical improvements.  1914 The Japanese occupied the Marianas, and the islands were administered by Japan, except for Guam. 1941 Guam fell to the Japanese forces. 1944 American forces occupied the islands. They saw some of the fiercest fighting of World War II. The USA administered the islands.

1990 Guam was granted independent government, though they remain part of an American commonwealth. 2008 The membership of the LDS Church in the Northern Marianas and Guam was 2,467.

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