Hawaiian Language Weekly Insights

Every week, I deliver powerful emails diving into a spectrum of Hawaiian language topics. These messages are designed to be an educational compass for my students, dispelling misconceptions, and serving as a guiding force that motivates and empowers language enthusiasts on their journey.

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KA LA HANAU O KUU WAHINE

I kela mahina i hala aku nei, ua lawe aku la au i kuu wahine i keia hale paina i Waikiki la, oia hoi, o Eating House 1849. Aia keia hale iloko o ka International Market Place.

 

Ka Hale Hoikeike Kii

Aia maua e hele wawae ana ma ke ala nui o Kalakaua ma waena o ka poe malihini a e huli ana i...

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HE AHA IA MEA HE PONO?

Aloha oe e ko’u mea heluhelu,

 

I keia makahiki e piha ana he eha makahiki o ka noho alii ana o Pelekikena Biden i Amelika la. A ke kokoke mai nei ka manawa e koho ai na kupa Amelika i ko lakou pelekikena hou. He 2 moho nui, o Joe Biden a me Donald Trump. O ka’u ninau keia i ka...

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2024: Nana ka maka, hoolohe ka pepeiao, paa ka waha.

Aloha e ka poe haumana olelo Hawaii,

This week I want to talk about a well-known Hawaiian phrase: "Nana ka maka, hoolohe ka pepeiao, paa ka waha," which means "Observe with the eyes; listen with the ears; shut the mouth." The translation for the last line is key, and it always makes me laugh.

...

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ALOHA MAKAHIKI HOU!

Aloha Makahiki Hou!

Welcome back! I hope you all had enjoyable moments with your friends and family over the holidays.

You might have noticed various posts on social media using different Hawaiian phrases to wish people a Happy New Year. If you're curious, you might have wondered, "Why are...

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New Year, New Language Journey

Aloha kakou,

This will be the last email for this year so let’s make it a good one.

I’ve never been one to participate in the clique of “New Year's Resolutions,” but I Believe in the value of setting goals. As the new year approaches, I hope you are reflecting on your...

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Unwrapping Hawaiian Language

Aloha mai,

For those who know me, holidays aren't my cup of tea. Halloween costumes seem ridiculous, Thanksgiving's "thankful" ceremony feels insincere, and Christmas music is a pain to my ears. If you're thinking, "This guy is a Grinch," well, my wife already beat you to it.

Despite my distaste...

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Fluency Fast Track: Mastering Structures

E hoomanao i ka la kuokoa

Remember Hawaiian Independence Day

 

Aloha,

This month some of you have responded to me with your translations of different newspaper clippings and I have truly enjoyed providing my feedback. Your energy and commitment inspire me—keep that fire burning!...

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Deciphering Traditional Hawaiian: Examples and Insights

Aloha,

The traditional Hawaiian in the newspapers from 1834-1948 is different from what you are seeing today at schools, on street signs and on social media (something I strongly disagree with). This makes it difficult for Hawaiians today to understand their kupuna.

There are no glottal stop...

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1 Way to Mastery Vocabulary

Aloha mai,

If you are just starting out, vocabulary is going to be a major focus. Learning to identify words is easier than some believe. Why do I say that?

In English, the word “live” changes depending on the context, such as living or lived. What’s great about Hawaiian is that...

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The Ipu: Versatile Ancient Words

Aloha,

This week, I took my son to school. Each day, there is a question on the whiteboard. Today's question was, “How many pumpkins and gourds are on the table?” Just outsied was a table that had pumpkins and gourds on it. Given that my son can't read yet, I started to explain the...

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Hawaiian Newspapers: Hawaii's Hidden Time Capsule

Aloha e ka poe puni i ka heluhelu,

(Greetings avid readers)

I've previously mentioned this reading resource, and this month, I'll guide you on how to navigate it effectively, learn from it, understand what to be aware of, and see its immense value. At the very least, I want you to open...

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Sounding Native: The Role of Blending in Authentic Hawaiian

Aloha e ko'u poe heluhelu,

Something that most teachers of Hawaiian don’t know of or don’t talk about is blending. It is essential to developing authentic sounding Hawaiian found among Native speakers. The ONLY way you’re going to develop this, is if you listen to them.

The...

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