Some Little Known Facts About the Hawaiian Language

Some Little Known Facts About the Hawaiian Language

Commonly, the Hawaii islands are known for their multi-colored beaches, including black sand, green, red, and pink. Traveling to the Hawaii islands is a secret dream nursed by many. Most people are well aware of “Aloha” from the Hawaii dialect.

Well, fewer facts beyond this are known to a majority of the people. The remaining knowledge about this state is limited to the beautiful pictures of the islands.

So, here’s all about the languages spoken in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Language 

It is the only state in the US with two official languages; Hawaii (also known as Olelo Hawai’i). A third language popularly spoken there is Pidgin, a blend of English and Hawaii, born from the culture and life on the island. Linguists now fear the extinction of the local Hawaii language, as the English language speedily replaces it. The language is almost absent in six of the eight islands in Hawaii. A total of 0.1% of the population on these six islands speak the native language.

UNESCO has claimed that the language is endangered. The number of native speakers has been falling even in the capital city of Honolulu.

Language Spoken in Honolulu

Honolulu, the capital city boasts of diverse cultures, cuisines, and languages.

Although the official language of Honolulu is both Hawaii and English, a host of other languages like Japanese, Chinese, and many other immigrant languages here, thanks to the diverse communities inhabiting the place, are the most spoken languages in Honolulu are Tagalog, Japanese, and Ilocano.

On the other hand, efforts taken to rejuvenate the language in more than one method.

Journey Of The Hawaii Language  

The native language, Hawaii, developed from an unknown Polynesian language. However, it was not accepted as the official language in the past. The Hawaiian language was not taught in schools for a very long time. Speaking the native language in public was considered a crime.
Accepting the language in the constitution made it easier for the people to use this dialect fearlessly. It was recognized as the native language for the duration of the reign of King Kamehameha III in 1839. It soon became the most used community language here.
However, Americans’ acquisition of the island, making it the 50th state of the US in 1959, marked the beginning of the eventual disappearance of the native language, only to be replaced by English.

Efforts are taken to refresh the language.

Revitalization agenda

To popularize the language, it is being taught to students in schools. The Hawaiian bible helped promote literacy on the island back in the past. The board of education is also putting in significant efforts to popularize the language. Thanks to the multiple measures, it is now one of the most spoken languages in Hawaii, after English. 

Are You Looking Translation Services?

The Hawaiian language has five vowels and only eight consonants. It is, therefore, easier when compared to English. However, the difference in the grammar of both languages makes it challenging to use for English-speaking people. Also, there are no English equivalents for many words and phrases. Moreover, cultural nuances must be accurately understood and handled for accurate translations. These can be understood by native translators like those at Click For Translation.

For accurate translations of community languages at cost-effective prices by native translators, get in touch with the best translation services at Click For Translation.

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