Olelo Hawaii is not a cultural practice

Aloha nui e ko’u poe heluhelu,

Why do you feel compelled to learn Hawaiian? Learning a language can sometimes feel daunting and overwhelming but when we know WHY we’re learning, it will inspire us to keep going day after day. 

Last week, I told the story of how my young daughter (who is fluent) wants to, one day, raise her own children using Hawaiian just like we have raised her. Wanting to pass the language on to my children is one reason I continue to learn and teach Hawaiian. 

At the core of being human is the need to be connected to other humans. When you learn a language, you are literally becoming part of, and being connected to, the community, place, history and generations of speakers that came before you. Learning a language is the most intimate way to connect to any culture, especially if it is your own. 

I also want to say that there are many Hawaiian cultural “practices”... hula, farming and laau lapaau, for example, but speaking a language is not a practice. Before English was introduced, everyone on the islands spoke Hawaiian- that’s how they communicated - from the Chiefs down to the commoners to the people who fished and the people who farmed… the language connected them all. 

As you continue to learn how to speak and understand Hawaiian (especially if it is the language of your heritage) you become part of very meaningful connections to those who came before as well as being a part of the modern day community of Hawaiian speakers. 

We can use all the encouragement we can get! Reply to this email and tell me: WHY do you have a desire to learn Hawaian? Have you had any experiences that kept you motivated? 

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I commend you for learning the Hawaiian language.

Aloha no kakou,

Malu

ka-alala.mykajabi.com