🐟That time I learned what “poke” really means…

Aloha e ka poe heluhelu,

One of the hardest parts of learning Hawaiian is this: you need to be patient. 

Don’t just get caught up in the hype of it all. Really consider a long-term commitment to the process of learning and perpetuating the Hawaiian language. 

It’s normal to get a little frustrated early on in the process, especially when you just want to be fluent already. Just know, it’s going to take longer than you think. I hate to say it, but the key really is to be patient. 

I have fond memories of the early days of me learning, though. I enjoyed the process - the people I met, the things I learned, the conversations I had…

I remember when I found out that poke doesn’t mean “raw fish” like I always thought it did. Ha! It actually means, to cut into pieces. It can also mean chunks of anything. Poke could be used for fish…sweet potatoes…ice cubes… I’ve even heard it used for editing video and clipping or cutting parts out. This was revealing to learn, and really changed my perspective of how to use the word “poke”.

That’s just one of many experiences that enriched the intense process of learning a new language. 

If you’re the kind of person who is excited and chomping at the bit to start teaching what you’re learning… don’t go teaching on your Instagram account quite yet. (But for real). Just wait.

I didn’t even start sharing anything on social media until I was fluent, my wife was fluent and our oldest child was also fluently speaking. That was at least 3 years of me studying and practicing Hawaiian every day for at least an hour a day before I even started perpetuating the Hawaiian language in that way. (More on this next week). 

Take your time, enjoy the process, make connections with other speakers and learners of the language before you try to jump into the lane of being an expert. (More on that next week). 

Okay (and be honest) did you know that’s what poke means?

Me ka oiaio,

Malu

Ka-alala.mykajabi.com