GIBRALTAR & GUAMLinguistic 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 Affiliation30.000 inhabitants25.000 have the status of British

Gibraltarians2.000 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)…

LlanitoAn 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/SpanishHybrid, 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 FactsEnglish 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 FactsThe Rock of Gibraltar, (430 meters tall) is a naturalmonument, a symbol ofindependence and fortitude.

Although they are British, the country geographicallyclosest to Gibraltar is Spain.(‘La Línea de la Concepción’ is the Spain border withGibraltar). (4)

GUAM - The Pacific Island

Global Map

General Info & LocationIs 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• 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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