Will you ever speak like a native speaker?

Anoai kakou,

Another reason pronunciation is important is to perpetuate the language of native speakers.

In my very first Hawaiian class at a college (Hawaiian 401), we all introduced ourselves in Hawaiian. After class, one of the students asked me, “How did you learn to speak like that?” He clarified that it was the sound he was asking about. I explained that I listened to native speakers and adapted their way of speaking into my own. I assumed that’s how everyone else learned, but I quickly realized that is not the case. These experiences have only happened more and more, with people asking me, “How in the world did you learn to speak?”

Speaking Hawaiian like a native speaker differentiates you from most 2nd language speakers. At the very least, I hope you can differentiate 2nd language speakers and native speakers of Hawaiian. When you choose to learn from native speakers directly, it will drastically affect your language. People will want to know where/how you learned. Seriously consider spending more time listening to native speakers. That is where the authenticity of your own language ability will increase.

That being said, let’s talk about another common mispronunciation by 2nd language speakers… the vowel combination “ou”. I have a good video for this one. 

Again, this can be a difficult habit to break, but better now than later. Next week, we will cover a few more mispronunciations. 

By the way, the new Ka Alala Hats will be available for purchase this Friday the 23rd. Get yours before they're gone!

Me ka oiaio o’u,

Malu

Native Speaker Listening Resources